Ballon D’or Awards: Victor Osimhen makes history as he’s ranked 8th best footballer in the world

Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen made history on Monday night, October 30 as the first Napoli player and Nigerian footballer to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings.

The Edo born striker is the No. 8 best football player in the world on the 2023 Ballon d’Or list.

The Nigeria international 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.

 Napoli also reached the Champions League quarterfinals last season, the best result for the Partenopei in Europe’s elite competition.

Osimhen netted five times in six Champions League games last season, and individual achievements, combined with Napoli’s results, have allowed the 24-year-old to earn a spot in the top 10 of this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Ruud Krol finished 15th in 1980, meaning this is the best finish for a Napoli player in the history of the prestigious award.

The other players included in the top 10 are Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Lylian Mbappé, Leo Messi, Luka Modric, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Vini Jr.

Osimhen’s teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished 17th, while Inter stars Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella finished 20th and 27th, respectively.