Similar To Lionel Messi, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen Creates History at Ballon D’or

In soccer stardom, where legends like Lionel Messi have etched their name in history, there’s a new shining star on the horizon. Although Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are breaking headlines week in and week out, Napoli’s 24-year-old Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has recently entered the record books after the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

As Lionel Messi bagged his record 8th Ballon d’Or in Paris recently, Napoli’s top striker Osimhen made history after breaking into the leaderboard charts. Let’s dive deeper and uncover the latest historic milestone achieved by the Nigerian striker.

A record-breaking achievement for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen

Veteran Napoli striker Victor Osimhen made history at the 2023 Ballon d’Or Awards when he finished in eighth place in the list of top 30 soccer players released by France Football. According to journalist Giuseppe Pastore, Osimhen’s 8th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings marks an unprecedented milestone for Napoli. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Ruud Krol, who secured the 15th position in 1980.

Victor Osimhen’s outstanding performance last season not only brought pride to Napoli but also to the entire Nigerian soccer community. The Napoli striker’s rise lately has been nothing short of meteoric. His contributions to Napoli’s success in the 2022-23 season stand out as a testament to his incredible prowess. They clinched the Serie A title after a 33-year-long drought with his goals. 

In 32 league appearances, the Nigerian ace found the back of the net an impressive 26 times, earning him the Serie A top-scorer title. Napoli’s Scudetto triumph isn’t the only remarkable feat Osimhen helped them achieve. The club’s journey to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last term was also greatly influenced by his heroics.

 The Nigerian striker netted five goals in six UCL appearances for Napoli. It handed them their best finish in the Champions League. These individual achievements paved the way for Osimhen to create history at the Ballon d’Or awards.

READ MORE: After Picking MLS Over Saudi Pro League, Victor Osimhen Reaffirms Pep Guardiola’s Ballon d’Or Claim on Lionel Messi & Erling Haaland

Osimhen’s ascent in Ballon d’Or rankings

Though the ultimate honor went to Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who claimed his record eighth Ballon d’Or title. Moreover, Osimhen’s top 10 finish adds a layer of intrigue to this ceremony. Messi’s triumph now sees him three steps ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits second with five Golden Balls. With young talents like Victor Osimhen making their mark, the future of soccer looks promising, and fans cannot wait to witness the continued rise of these stars.

Osimhen’s historic entry into the Ballon d’Or top 10 is a testament to his outstanding talent and Napoli’s revival as Serie A giants. His journey from Nigeria to Italy is a remarkable story of determination and passion. As the soccer world celebrates his achievement, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen when he returns to the pitch.

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