The Ballon d’Or represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, awarded annually to the top male and female players in the world
Since its establishment in 1956, the award has come to symbolize the highest honour a footballer can receive. Only a handful of Nigerian players have earned the distinction of being nominated.
The first Nigerian footballers to make history at the Ballon d’Or were Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and the legendary Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, all of whom received nominations in 1995. Their recognition not only highlighted their extraordinary talent but also paved the way for future African footballers on the global stage.
Nwankwo Kanu, one of Nigeria’s most iconic football stars, earned two Ballon d’Or nominations—first in 1996 while playing for Arsenal and again in 1999 during his time with Inter Milan.
Victor Ikpeba joined the list of nominees in 1997 while playing for AS Monaco, followed by Sunday Oliseh’s nomination in 1998 during his stint with Juventus.
These early Nigerian nominees are considered among Africa’s greatest football exports. Their careers at the highest levels of European football and their numerous domestic and international accolades cement their legacy as role models for aspiring footballers across the continent.
In 2023, a new chapter was written in Nigerian football history as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala became the first Nigerian male and female players to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in the same year.
Osimhen’s nomination came after a brilliant season with Napoli, where he scored 26 goals in Serie A and helped the club win the league. Oshoala’s nomination followed her stellar performances for Barcelona, leading to victories in both the Women’s Champions League and the Spanish League.
Their nominations once again spotlighted the calibre of Nigerian football and reaffirmed the recognition of African talent on the global stage.
In 2024, Ademola Lookman joined this elite group, earning a nomination after a standout season with Atalanta in Italy. His masterclass performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, solidified his place among the 30 nominees for the prestigious award.
In particular order of Nigerian players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award so far:
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)
