9 Nigerians Who Have Been Nominated for the Ballon d’Or Award

The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football, given annually to the best male and female players in the world. 

Since its inception in 1956, it has become a symbol of individual excellence in the sport. A few exceptional Nigerian players have been recognised with nominations over the years, showcasing their talent and contribution to the game.

Here are the nominated Nigerians:

1. Finidi George (1995)

Finidi George made history as one of the first Nigerian players to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Known for his speed, skill, and crossing ability, George was a key player for Ajax during their successful Champions League campaign, which earned him global recognition.

2. Daniel Amokachi (1995)

Daniel Amokachi, another Nigerian football legend, also received a nomination in 1995. His powerful forward play and contributions to the Nigerian national team and clubs like Everton and Besiktas made him one of Africa’s most respected strikers of the time.

3. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha (1995)

Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, famed for his exceptional dribbling and flair, joined Finidi George and Daniel Amokachi as a nominee in 1995. Okocha’s creativity on the field for clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and later Bolton Wanderers left a lasting impression in Europe.

4. Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)

Nwankwo Kanu remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures, earning two Ballon d’Or nominations in 1996 and 1999. His performances at Arsenal and Inter Milan, combined with his Olympic gold medal for Nigeria in 1996, solidified his place among the greats.

 5. Victor Ikpeba (1997)

Victor Ikpeba’s 1997 nomination came after a stellar season with AS Monaco, where his goal-scoring abilities helped the team achieve great success in the French league. He remains one of Nigeria’s most respected forwards in European football history.

6. Sunday Oliseh (1998)

Sunday Oliseh was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1998 during his time with Juventus. Known for his leadership and midfield dominance, Oliseh was a key figure in Nigeria’s national team, playing a crucial role in their 1996 Olympic triumph.

7. Asisat Oshoala (2022, 2023)

Asisat Oshoala became the first Nigerian female player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, and she followed it up with another nomination in 2023. Her success with FC Barcelona, where she helped her team win the Women’s Champions League and Spanish League, made her one of the top players in women’s football.

8. Victor Osimhen (2023)

Victor Osimhen’s incredible performance in the 2022-2023 season earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2023. His 26 goals for Napoli helped them win the Serie A title, cementing his place as one of the best strikers in Europe.

9. Ademola Lookman (2024)

In 2024, Ademola Lookman joined the elite list of Nigerian players nominated for the Ballon d’Or. His standout performances for Atalanta, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final, caught the attention of the global football community, earning him a spot on the prestigious list of 30 nominees.