Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman Omitted from 2026 Ballon d’Or Top 10

Nigeria’s football stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been left out of the 2026 Ballon d’Or top 10 favourites, surprising fans who have followed their impressive club performances. The decision has sparked discussions about recognition for African talent on the global stage.

The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, honours players who deliver exceptional performances over a season for both club and country.

Osimhen, 27, has continued to impress for Galatasaray, scoring consistently in the Super Lig and UEFA Champions League, while Lookman has maintained solid form with Atletico Madrid. Despite their strong seasons, the 2026 favourites list is dominated by European elite players, leaving the Nigerian duo just outside the top 10.

Osimhen made history in 2023 by finishing eighth, becoming the highest-ranked Nigerian player ever and surpassing Nwankwo Kanu, who placed 11th in 1996. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership at Galatasaray have kept him in global conversations, although stiff competition this season edged him out.

Lookman achieved his career-high 14th position in 2024 after a standout season with Atalanta, highlighted by a hat-trick in the Europa League final. Despite solid performances at Atletico Madrid, he also missed out on the 2026 shortlist.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or favourites feature a mix of established superstars and emerging talents from Europe’s top leagues. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. According to Score 90, the top contenders are Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Jr, Lionel Messi, and Luis Diaz.

While their exclusion may disappoint fans, Osimhen and Lookman remain influential at the club level, and continued strong performances could see them return to future Ballon d’Or rankings, reinforcing their place among Africa’s top footballers.