Ballon d’Or: Osimhen, Oshoala make history

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala both made history for Nigeria and Africa as they finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in the 2023 Men and Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

A message on Super Falcons’ official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria.

“Asisat Oshoala’s 20th place ranking in the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a historic and significant achievement for Africa.

“She’s a talented footballer and deserves the recognition. “Congratulations @AsisatOshoala,” it said.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world on Monday in Paris, France.

Messi beat Norway’s UEFA player of the year, and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

France and Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world.

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Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country.

She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

In other awards handed out on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.

Prior to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.

The Star