Victor Osimhen made history as the first Napoli player and Nigerian international to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The Super Eagles and Napoli striker is the No. 8 best football player in the world on the 2023 Ballon d’Or list.
The Nigeria international significantly 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.
Given that Ruud Krol finished 15th in 1980, this is the best finish for a Napoli player ever, according to journalist Giuseppe Pastore.
Osimhen will know his exact placement during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in Paris on Monday evening.
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.
