Nigerian and Napoli goal-striking sensation, Victor Osimhen has earned a coveted spot on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious 2023 Ballon d’Or award, alongside football luminaries Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. Osimhen’s inclusion on this illustrious list has sent solidified his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Osimhen, who currently plies his trade with Serie A club Napoli, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of his incredible talent and goal-scoring prowess. His remarkable journey from the streets of Lagos to the upper echelons of European football has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist represents a who’s who of footballing excellence, with legends like Lionel Messi and emerging talents like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe vying for the coveted title. Osimhen’s presence among these luminaries underscores his rapid ascent to the top ranks of the sport.
Throughout the past year, Osimhen has consistently dazzled on the pitch, demonstrating exceptional skill, speed, and an uncanny ability to find the back of the net. His contributions to Napoli have been nothing short of invaluable, with a prolific goal-scoring record that has earned him accolades from fans and experts alike.
The 23-year-old Nigerian striker’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he was instrumental in Nigeria’s Super Eagles games. His performances both at club level and in international competitions have only served to cement his reputation as one of the brightest talents to ever come out of africa.
The Ballon d’Or shortlist is determined by a panel of esteemed journalists, coaches, national team captains, and managers, making Osimhen’s inclusion a testament to his widespread recognition and respect within the footballing community.
Check out the full list of the official nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or below:
🇭🇷 Josko Gvardiol
🇩🇪 Jamal Musiala
🇨🇲 Andre Onana
🇫🇷 Karim Benzema
🇪🇬 Mo Salah
🏴 Bukayo Saka
🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne
🏴 Jude Bellingham
🇫🇷 Randal Kolo Muani
🇵🇹 Bernando Silva
🇬🇪 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
🇮🇹 Nicolo Barella
🇦🇷 Emi Martínez
🇵🇹 Ruben Dias
🇳🇴 Erling Haaland
🇳🇴 Martin Odegaard
🇩🇪 Ilkay Gündogan
🇲🇦 Yassine Bounou
🇦🇷 Julian Alvarez
🇧🇷 Vinicius Jr
🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski
🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann
🇦🇷 Lautaro Martínez
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
🇪🇸 Rodri
🇰🇷 Kim Min-jae
🇭🇷 Luka Modric
🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé
🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen
🏴 Harry Kane
- Tags: Ballon d'Or, Haaland, Mbappe, Messi, Victor Osimhen
