Ballon d’Or nominees released: Osimhen, Lookman among Champions League stars
Football’s Ballon d’Or organisers have unveiled the list of nominees drawn from the 2026 Champions League squad pools, highlighting two former winners—Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint‑Générale (2025 winner) and Rodri Hernández of FC Barcelona (2024 winner). Among the nominees are two Nigerian internationals: Victor Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, who receives his first nomination, and Ademola Lookman of Atlético Madrid, also earning his first nod. The list spans the four Champions League pots, featuring stars such as Harry Kane (seven nominations), Kylian Mbappé (eight), Erling Haaland (five), and emerging talents like Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz. For Nigerian fans, the dual recognition signals growing global respect for Super Eagles talent and could translate into increased endorsement opportunities and national pride. The award, decided by international journalists, will be announced later this year, with the ceremony traditionally held in Paris. Will you track Osimhen and Lookman’s club form more closely as the Ballon d’Or race unfolds, or do you believe another African player deserves the spotlight instead?