Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been named among the final 12 nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Player of The Year award,
This prestigious list, unveiled by the global football governing body, features Osimhen as the sole African player to make the cut, contrasting with his compatriot Asisat Oshola, who didn’t secure a spot in the women’s category.
The eligibility period for this esteemed award spans from December 19, 2022, to August 10, 2023. Among the distinguished nominees are renowned players such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe, and Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland.
During this time frame, Osimhen dazzled by scoring 29 goals and contributing significantly to Napoli’s first Serie A title victory in more than 30 years.
He also earned the accolade of being the top scorer in the previous Serie A season and was included in the league’s Team of The Season.
Joining Osimhen on the shortlist are other notable talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodrigo Cascante, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Declan Rice, and Bernardo Silva.
In the women’s category, FIFA has shortlisted players including Oshoala’s Barcelona Femini teammates Jennifer Hermoso and Aitana Bonmati, along with Linda Caicedo, Rachel Daly, Kadidiatou Diani, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alex Greenwood, Lindsey Horan, Amanda Ilestedt, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Mapi León, Hinata Miyazawa, Salma Paralluelo, and Keira Walsh.
Furthermore, African goalkeepers Andre Onana from Cameroon and Yassine Bounou from Morocco have both secured places in the final five-man list for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award.
Bounou’s accomplishments include winning the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League with Sevilla and earning a spot in the competition’s Team of The Season, while Onana achieved success with Inter Milan, winning the 2022 Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia.
They face competition from top goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, Ederson Santana de Moraes, and Marc-André ter Stegen.
