Super Eagles and Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen has been ranked 8th Best Player in the world at the 2023 Ballon d’Or which was held in Paris, France on Monday night.
Osihmen becomes the highest ranked Nigerian player to make the top ten of the Ballon d’Or award.
Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu first held the record, and was ranked 11th in 1996 Men’s Ballon d’or Award.
Osimhen was ranked ahead the likes of Robert Lewandowski, current holder Karim Benzema, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Mohamed Salah in this year’s award.
Osimhen was in impressive form for the Italian side as they clinched the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years, becoming the 2022-23 top-scorer in the league. He won the Pichichi – the highest goalscorer prize – last season as the Naples team emerged winners of the league.
The 24-year-old scored 26 goals in 32 appearances to become the first African to win the prize.
Osimhen was the highest-ranked player from the continent at this year’s award. The closest is Liverpool and Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah who was ranked eleventh at this year’s award.
Osimhen was ranked ahead the likes of Robert Lewandowski, current holder Karim Benzema, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Mohamed Salah,
The 24-year-old made history as the first Napoli player to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
This is the best result ever for a Napoli player at the award, since Ruud Krol who held the previous record placed 15th in 1980, Complete Sports report.
Osimhen contributed to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years becoming the 2022-23 top-scorer in the league with 26 goals in 32 appearances.
In the women’s category, Super Falcons and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala finished in 20th position.
Meanwhile, Argentina 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi won his eight Ballon d’Or award on the night.
Messi beat Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to second and third place respectively.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or award, presented by France Football, took place at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
