Osimhen and Lookman told to revive Ballon d’Or hopes through team success

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman must combine individual quality with stronger collective performances and greater consistency if they are to return to the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings, according to former Nigeria defender Sam Sodje.

Neither forward was included among the 30 nominees for the men’s Ballon d’Or 2026, prompting renewed debate about their standing in world football. Sodje believes both players remain capable of challenging the leading contenders, but says they need to rediscover their best form while also benefiting from more successful teams.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Sodje highlighted the importance of collective achievement in determining the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award. He also suggested that Nigeria’s performances may have influenced the prospects of its two leading forwards.

Osimhen finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or 2023, while Lookman placed 14th in 2024. Those results raised Nigeria’s profile and demonstrated that both players could compete with the game’s elite, but neither has established a sustained position among the leading favourites.

Osimhen continued his career at Galatasaray after leaving Napoli. Lookman, meanwhile, faced uncertainty over his future following his time at Atalanta. Sodje’s assessment is that a player’s surroundings and the achievements of his team can be as influential as his technical ability when voters make their decisions.

A prolific goalscorer can still see his chances reduced if his club fails to make an impact on the biggest European stages. Osimhen and Lookman therefore need to pair decisive personal displays with significant club and international results if they are to climb the rankings again.

Confidence and consistency key to a return

Sodje also pointed to confidence, reliability and the ability to maintain a high level over an extended period. He urged the two forwards not to be discouraged by their omission from this year’s list, arguing that a sustained run of strong performances will be essential to rebuilding their cases.

The Super Eagles’ results could also play an important part. Success with Nigeria would provide greater visibility for both players and strengthen their claims in future individual awards. A convincing international campaign would allow their personal contributions to be judged within a more successful collective effort.

Sodje also discussed Achraf Hakimi, whose performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco had led to debate about his Ballon d’Or prospects. He expressed surprise at the position given to Hakimi in light of his teams’ results, while acknowledging that injuries may have affected the assessment of his season.

Hakimi finished 13th in the Ballon d’Or 2026 after what was described as an exceptional season. Sodje nevertheless reaffirmed that the defender’s periods of unavailability offered a sufficient explanation for his failure to reach the higher places.

The example underlines that team success does not guarantee equal individual recognition for every player. Availability, consistency and personal contribution remain crucial to an award based on performances over a specific period.

George Weah remains the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or, doing so in 1995. Sadio Mane finished second in 2022, while Osimhen’s eighth-place finish in 2023 remains the best result achieved by a Nigerian player.

For Osimhen and Lookman, a return to that level will require a complete season, decisive displays in major matches and collective success to match their ambitions.