Like it was in 2025, no Nigerian player, male or female, has been nominated for this year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Ademola Lookman was the last Nigerian star to be nominated for the annual award after he was named the CAF Player of the Year.
Victor Osimhen was also a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2023, when he was crowned the best African player of that year.
Super Falcons stars Asisat Oshoala and Chiamaka Nnadozie were also previously nominated in the women’s category of the awards.
Spain and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, PSG’s Chvitja Kvaratchelia and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi are among the nominees for this year’s top prize.
However, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bukayo Saka, Pedri, Raphinha, Federico Valverde and Mohamed Salah were overlooked.
Cristiano was also not one of the final candidates for last year’s gala.
This year’s awards ceremony will take place in London on October 26.
