Osimhen, Lookman left out of 2026 Ballon d’Or top 10 favourites — here’s the full list
Nigerian Forward, Victor Osimhen celebrating his first goal from Ademola Lookman set-piece free kick with fellow teammates. Photo Credit- Premium Times
Nigeria’s biggest football stars have been left out of one of the most talked-about rankings in world football, sparking debate among fans and analysts alike.
Despite impressive performances across Europe, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman did not make the top 10 favourites list for the 2026 Ballon d’Or — a development that has raised eyebrows, especially among Nigerian supporters.
The prestigious Ballon d’Or, organised by France Football, is widely regarded as the highest individual honour in football, recognising the best-performing player over the course of a season.
Osimhen and Lookman Miss Out Despite Strong Form
Both Nigerian forwards have enjoyed solid seasons at club level, yet their absence from the shortlist highlights just how intense the competition has become at the very top of world football.
Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray, has continued his impressive goal-scoring run in both the Turkish Super Lig and European competitions. His consistency in front of goal has kept him in global conversations, but it was not enough to earn him a place among the top 10 favourites this year.
Meanwhile, Lookman, who now features for Atletico Madrid, has also delivered steady performances. The winger remains one of Africa’s most exciting attacking talents, yet he too fell short of making the elite shortlist.\
A Look Back at Their Ballon d’Or High Points
The exclusion is even more surprising when considering both players’ recent Ballon d’Or history.
Osimhen made headlines in 2023 when he finished 8th in the rankings — the highest-ever position for a Nigerian player. He surpassed the previous record held by Nwankwo Kanu, who placed 11th in 1996.
Lookman also enjoyed recognition on the global stage after finishing 14th in the 2024 rankings, following a sensational campaign that included a memorable hat-trick in a European final.
These achievements placed both players firmly among football’s elite, making their absence from the current top 10 even more surprising.
Mbappe and Kane Lead Star-Studded List
The 2026 Ballon d’Or favourites list is dominated by a mix of established superstars and rising young talents from Europe’s top clubs.
At the top of the rankings is Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, followed closely by Harry Kane of Bayern Munich.
Young sensation Lamine Yamal of Barcelona also features prominently, alongside Declan Rice of Arsenal.
Other notable names include Erling Haaland, Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Jr, football icon Lionel Messi, and Luis Diaz.
Full Top 10 Ballon d’Or Favourites (2026)
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Kylian Mbappe
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Harry Kane
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Lamine Yamal
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Declan Rice
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Erling Haaland
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Pedri
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Ousmane Dembele
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Vinicius Jr
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Lionel Messi
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Luis Diaz
Why Nigerian Stars Were Left Out
While no official reason has been given, the rankings appear to reflect a combination of team success, individual statistics, global influence, and consistency at the highest level.
Many of the players on the list are competing in Europe’s most high-profile leagues and tournaments, which often play a significant role in Ballon d’Or consideration.
Ballon d’Or Ranking, February 2026 – According to Score 90 🏆⭐️ pic.twitter.com/A1YmO9eP9p
— Score 90 (@Score90_) February 26, 2026
Still, Osimhen and Lookman’s performances suggest they remain firmly within reach of future nominations.
Osimhen Continues to Shine Despite Snub
Interestingly, the omission comes at a time when Osimhen is still making headlines.
The Nigerian striker recently scored in a dominant league victory for Galatasaray, further cementing his reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe.
His continued consistency suggests that a return to the Ballon d’Or top rankings could be only a matter of time.
What This Means for Nigerian Football
The absence of two of Nigeria’s brightest stars from the top 10 may be disappointing, but it also reflects the growing competitiveness in global football.
For Nigerian fans, there is still optimism that both players can break back into the elite list in future editions if they maintain their current form and achieve greater success at club and international levels.
FAQ
Why were Osimhen and Lookman excluded from the 2026 Ballon d’Or top 10?
They were likely edged out due to intense competition, team achievements of other players, and overall global impact during the season.
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Kylian Mbappe is currently leading the favourites list, followed by Harry Kane.
What is the Ballon d’Or?
It is an annual award presented by France Football to the best footballer in the world based on performance over a season.
Has any Nigerian player ever ranked high in Ballon d’Or?
Yes, Victor Osimhen finished 8th in 2023, the highest-ever ranking by a Nigerian player.
Can Osimhen and Lookman still make future lists?
Yes, both players are still active at top clubs and could return to the top rankings with continued strong performances.