Lookman now 3rd best-ranked Nigerian in Ballon d’Or history

By Tosin Omojola

Ademola Lookman has become the third highest-ranked Nigerian player in the history of the Ballon d’Or.

The Atalanta forward, who emerged as Nigeria’s top scorer in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, finished in 14th place on the final shortlist for this year’s award.

Before Monday night’s event in Paris, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen held the highest finish for a Nigerian player, placing 8th last year.

Osimhen’s achievement saw him surpass Nwankwo Kanu, who was ranked 11th in 1996.

With his 14th-place finish, Lookman, who is also a contender for the African Player of the Year award, now ranks third behind Osimhen (8th in 2024) and Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu (11th in 1996).

Kanu was also ranked 23rd in 1999.

Another Super Eagles legend, Finidi George, is ranked fourth, having placed 21st in 1995.

Also on Nigeria’s best-ranked Ballon d’Or players list is Victor Ikpeba, who finished 32nd in 1997.