For decades, the Ballon d’Or has stood as football’s most coveted individual prize, a recognition of excellence reserved for the very best in the game.
While the award has often been dominated by Europeans and South Americans, a handful of Nigerians have managed to break through, earning nominations and in some cases finishing impressively high.
From the golden generation of the 1990s to the new wave of stars led by Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala, these players have carried Nigeria’s football reputation onto the world stage.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
The nominees for the 2025 awards were made public on August 7.
Nigerian Nominees in 2025:
Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper). She is the first African goalkeeper to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination in this category.
Justine Madugu – Nominated for the Women’s Best Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy) following her role as coach of the Super Falcons, especially after winning the WAFCON and being named Best Coach of the Tournament.
Here are the Nigerians in history who have made the Ballon d’Or shortlist:
1. Finidi George – 1995 (21st place)
Finidi’s dazzling season with Ajax, capped by a Champions League triumph, earned him six votes and a 21st-place finish. He was one of the first Nigerians to benefit when the award expanded to include non-Europeans.
2. Daniel Amokachi – 1995 (nominated)
“The Bull” earned recognition after his FA Cup exploits with Everton, but did not receive votes. His nomination reflected Nigeria’s strong footballing presence in the mid-1990s.
3. Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha – 1995 (nominated)
Okocha’s flair with Eintracht Frankfurt and Nigeria put him on the list in 1995. Like Amokachi, he did not collect votes, but his nomination showed his rising international profile.
4. Nwankwo Kanu – 1996 (11th), 1999 (23rd)
Fresh from winning Olympic gold in Atlanta and starring for Inter Milan, Kanu finished 11th in 1996 with 14 votes. He returned to the shortlist in 1999 while at Arsenal, placing 23rd.
5. Victor Ikpeba – 1997 (32nd place)
Nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco,” Ikpeba was nominated after a strong Ligue 1 campaign. He collected two votes and placed 32nd.
6. Sunday Oliseh – 1998 (nominated)
The midfield general was shortlisted following his performances for Ajax and Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup, though he did not earn votes.
7. Asisat Oshoala – 2022 (16th), 2023 (20th)
Oshoala became the first Nigerian woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. With Barcelona Femeni, she won league titles and the Champions League, finishing 16th in 2022 and around 20th in 2023.
8. Victor Osimhen – 2023 (8th place)
Osimhen made history with Napoli, firing them to a first Serie A title in 33 years and winning the Golden Boot. His 8th-place finish was the highest ever by a Nigerian male footballer.
9. Ademola Lookman – 2024 (shortlist)
Lookman’s nomination came after a Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta and a strong AFCON with Nigeria. While his final position is pending, his inclusion shows Nigeria’s rising global presence.
Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or story has been marked by promise and near misses. Kanu’s 11th-place finish in 1996 stood as the country’s best for decades before Osimhen’s record-breaking 8th in 2023 raised new hopes.
For women’s football, Oshoala’s back-to-back nominations confirmed Nigeria’s presence among the elite, even if she has yet to crack the top 10.
Punch
