Several Nigerian players have been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in the past.
However, none of them has won the ultimate individual prize in football.
Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen holds the record for the highest finish by a Nigerian in the men’s Ballon d’Or, with his eighth-place finish in 2023.
Finidi George was among the first Nigerians to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. He was nominated in 1995 and finished in 21st place.
In 1995, former Super Eagles stars, Daniel Amokachi and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha also made the cut.
Nwankwo Kanu followed in 1996, earning a nomination after a remarkable year with Ajax, but he finished in 11th place.
Kanu was nominated again in 1999.
In 1997, Victor Ikpeba was nominated after winning the African Footballer of the Year award. He finished 32nd in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Another Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh, received a nomination in 1998 following his impressive performances for club and country.
Osimhen was the first Nigerian to finish in the top 10 of the men’s Ballon d’Or voting when he finished eighth in 2023.
In 2024, Ademola Lookman finished 14th after scoring a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final.
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