Victor Osimhen made history as the first ever African and Napoli player to make the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The Nigeria international significantly contributed to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years becoming the 2022-23 top-scorer in the league with 26 goals in 32 appearances. Napoli also reached the Champions League quarter-finals last season, the best result for the Partenopei in Europe’s elite competition.
Osimhen netted five times in six Champions League games last season and individual achievements, combined with Napoli’s results have earned the 24-year-old a spot in the top 10 of this year’s Ballon d’Or.
As reported by journalist Giuseppe Pastore, this is the best result ever for a Napoli player, given that the previous record belonged to Ruud Krol, who ended 15th in 1980.
The other players included in the top 10 are Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Lylian Mbappé, Leo Messi, Luka Modric, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Vini Jr.
Osimhen’s teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finished 17th, while Inter stars Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella finished 20th and 27th respectively.
Osimhen took 8th place in the Ballon d’Or Ceremony.
- Football Italia
