In a historic moment for Nigerian football and Napoli fans worldwide, Victor Osimhen achieved a significant milestone in his career on October 30, 2023, by becoming the first Nigerian and Napoli player to secure a place within the coveted top ten of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The 24-year-old Napoli forward’s remarkable achievement is attributed to his extraordinary performance during the 2022/2023 season, which played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years. Additionally, Osimhen was instrumental in helping Napoli reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League during the same season, where he netted five goals in six appearances.
This combination of individual excellence and Napoli’s impressive team results culminated in Osimhen’s 8th place ranking in the Ballon d’Or race, marking the highest position attained by any African player in this prestigious award.
Following Osimhen in the Ballon d’Or rankings was Egyptian football sensation and Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, who secured the 11th position for his vital contributions to Liverpool’s success.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, celebrated for his instrumental role in Morocco’s journey to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, also received recognition, placing 13th in the rankings.
Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, recognized for his significant contribution to Napoli’s impressive run to the UEFA Champions League final (albeit losing to Manchester City), was the last African player to make it to the top thirty of the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Here are the top 30 players in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings:
1. Lionel Messi
2. Erling Haaland
3. Kylian Mbappé
4. Kevin De Bruyne
5. Rodri
6. Vinicius Jr.
7. Julián Álvarez
8. Victor Osimhen
9. Bernardo Silva
10. Luka Modric
11. Mohamed Salah
12. Robert Lewandowski
13. Yassine Bounou
14. Ilkay Gündogan
15. Emiliano Martinez
6. Karim Benzema
17. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
18. Jude Bellingham
19. Harry Kane
20. Lautaro Martínez
21. Antoine Griezmann
22. Kim Min-Jae
23. André Onana
24. Bukayo Saka
25. Josko Gvardiol
26. Jamal Musiala
27. Nicolo Barella
28. Martin Odeggard
29. Randal Kolo Muani
30. Ruben Dias
-The Post Ghana
