Nigeria’s rising football sensation, Victor Osimhen, has etched his name in history by becoming the first Napoli player to secure a place in the prestigious top 10 rankings of the Ballon d’Or.
Osimhen’s remarkable journey in European football has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, thanks to his extraordinary talent and exceptional goal-scoring ability.
Last season, the 24-year-old played a pivotal role in SSC Napoli’s long-awaited triumph in the Italian Serie A, ending a 33-year championship drought for the club.
Why Osimhen deserve his Ballon d’Or position
Osimhen’s scoring prowess was on full display as he netted an impressive 26 goals in just 32 appearances, securing his position as the top-scorer of the 2022-23 Serie A season.
Napoli’s success extended beyond their domestic league, with the team reaching the quarter-finals of the prestigious Champions League, marking a historic achievement for the Partenopei in European competition.
In the Champions League, Osimhen continued to shine, scoring five times in six matches.
Osimhen outstanding career
His outstanding individual achievements, combined with Napoli’s remarkable team performance, paved the way for his inclusion in the exclusive top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings for the year.
Among the other distinguished footballers included in the top 10 are Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Vinicius Junior.
Osimhen’s Napoli teammate, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, also achieved recognition, securing the 17th position, while Inter Milan stars Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella claimed the 20th and 27th spots, respectively.
Osimhen’s journey from Nigeria to the global football stage is indeed a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.