By Saka Bashir Adegboyega (SIWES student, KWASU)
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen achieved a historic milestone by securing a place among the top 10 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, as announced by French Football, the award’s organizers.
During the ceremony held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, Osimhen emerged as the highest-ranked African player in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, surpassing Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, who ranked 11th worldwide.
Osimhen’s remarkable performance in the Italian Serie A last season played a pivotal role in Napoli clinching the title, ending their 33-year championship drought.
He also made history by becoming the first African player to claim the Golden Boot, known as the Capocannoniere, outperforming Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan to secure this prestigious individual honor.
Osimhen’s impressive record of 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances was instrumental in Napoli’s title triumph, and he even surpassed George Weah’s record of 47 goals in the Italian top flight.
