Ballon d’Or: List of Nigerian players who have made shortlist for award

Several Nigerian footballers have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award over the years, although none has won the ultimate individual prize in football.

Victor Osimhen currently holds the record for the highest finish by a Nigerian in the men’s Ballon d’Or. The Galatasaray striker finished eighth in the 2023 voting after an impressive season.

Finidi George was one of the first Nigerians to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. He was shortlisted in 1995 and eventually finished 21st. That same year, former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha were also nominated.

Nwankwo Kanu earned his first nomination in 1996 following a remarkable year with Ajax. The former Nigerian striker finished 11th and was nominated again in 1999.

Victor Ikpeba was nominated in 1997 after winning the African Footballer of the Year award, although he finished 32nd in the Ballon d’Or voting. Sunday Oliseh also received a nomination in 1998 following his impressive performances for both club and country.

In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and 2023. Ademola Lookman later became another Nigerian to make the shortlist, finishing 14th in 2024 after scoring a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final.

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The Nigerians who have received Ballon d’Or nominations are:

• Finidi George – 1995
• Daniel Amokachi – 1995
• Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha – 1995
• Nwankwo Kanu – 1996, 1999
• Victor Ikpeba – 1997
• Sunday Oliseh – 1998
• Asisat Oshoala – 2022, 2023
• Victor Osimhen – 2023
• Ademola Lookman – 2024