Ballon d’Or 2026: Which three Nigerians qualify under new rules?

The Ballon d’Or remains one of the most prestigious individual honors in world football, a trophy most players dream of lifting during their careers, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, Africa has historically had limited success with the award. To date, George Weah remains the only player from the continent to have won it.

Among Nigerians, Victor Osimhen holds the record for the highest placement, finishing eighth in the 2023 edition and becoming the first Super Eagle to break into the top ten.

AIC awards ceremony In the photo: Rafael Leao, Victor Osimhen — Rafael Leao, Victor Osimhen, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Copyright: ImagoxManuelexMangiarottix/xipa-agency

Ahead of this year’s ceremony, the organizers have clarified the selection criteria. They confirmed that players plying their trade outside of Europe are eligible—a rule that has been in place since 1995.

Also, the voting panel will evaluate player performances from last August through this month, meaning both club achievements and international tournament contributions will be pivotal in determining the winner.

In this article, Afrik-Foot highlights three Nigerian players who qualify for consideration for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Three Nigerians Who Can Win The Ballon d’Or

1. Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen a Ballon d'Or candidate — Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xBSRxAgencyxIMAGO

Osimhen enjoyed a very good campaign with Galatasaray, playing a central role in their Super Lig title victory. He remained a lethal and consistent goalscorer whenever he was on the pitch, contributing 22 goals and eight assists in 33 games..

His impact in the UEFA Champions League was equally notable, as he recorded seven goals and three assists in just ten appearances. Given his consistency excellence over the years, a place in the rankings for Osimhen would be not be bad.

2. Ademola Lookman

Nigeria and Atlético Madrid forward Ademola Lookman. Copyright: xRicardoxLarreinaxIMAGO

Lookman also experienced an impressive year. Although he faced initial problems at Atalanta during the first half of the season, he found his rhythm following his move to Atletico Madrid.

Across all competitions last season, the 28-year-old attacker contributed nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances. At times, he served as the main man for his team’s attack, scoring important goals.

Since he competes at the highest level in Europe, Lookman is a strong candidate for the award.

3. Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu during the friendly match between Poland and Nigeria in Warsaw, Poland, on June 03, 2026 Warsaw Poland. — Paul Onuachu for Super Eagles. Copyright: ImagoxAndrzejxIwanczukx

Trabzonspor marksman Paul Onuachu is another Nigerian who could get an inclusion in the Ballon d’Or discourse. He is coming off a successful season with the Black Sea Storm, which saw the club lift the Turkish Cup.

Across all competitions, Onuachu registered 26 goals and two assists in 36 appearances. Following such a top campaign, he could break into this year’s rankings.