The 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or was unveiled on August 7, but Victor Osimhen’s name was conspicuously absent, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker had a remarkable campaign with Galatasaray, where he fired in 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his impressive form, France Football omitted him from the prestigious list, which has sparked talks in the Nigerian football community.
Théâtre du Châtelet, still calm! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/VxfE9Rr8jz
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025
Here are six key reasons that may explain why Osimhen was overlooked for the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist:
Osimhen Plays Outside Europe’s Top Five Leagues
After an excellent spell in Serie A with Napoli, Osimhen spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Galatasaray in Turkey.
While the Süper Lig is competitive, it is not ranked among Europe’s top five leagues. Voters and organisers often weigh performances in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 more heavily, meaning Osimhen’s achievements in Turkey may have carried less influence.
Victor Osimhen’s Limited Exposure in European Competitions
European nights often shape Ballon d’Or narratives, no doubt. While Galatasaray competed in the Europa League, they failed to go deep into the tournament.
This limited Osimhen’s visibility in the Champions League spotlight, where rivals like Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vinícius Júnior delivered headline-grabbing performances.
Fierce Competition from Rivals
Many of the nominees combined strong domestic seasons with success in Europe’s biggest competitions.
Dembélé, for instance, led PSG to Champions League glory, while Cole Palmer and Vitinha thrived in England and France, respectively.
Against this backdrop, Osimhen’s incredible scoring record looked less impactful when compared with peers delivering decisive moments on larger stages.
Perceptions of Super Lig’s Strength and Quality
UEFA’s league coefficient system ranks Turkey’s Super Lig below Europe’s traditional elite. This perception of weaker opposition may have worked against Osimhen.
Even record-breaking statistics can be discounted if achieved in leagues considered less demanding than their big five counterparts.
Media Narrative and Global Visibility
The Ballon d’Or is not just shaped by numbers. Players who shine in the Champions League or at major international tournaments often dominate headlines and sway voters.
So, despite Osimhen’s remarkable consistency, he did not have those big moment with global reach, which leaves him outside the strongest media-driven storylines of the year.
While taking this picture, I am 100 percent sure Victor Osimhen never thought a day like this would come. He can only hope and believe.
€15M net salary annually
– €39.95 per minuteGrace! pic.twitter.com/ykwchfJHMm
— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) August 1, 2025
Bias Against Players Outside the Spotlight
There is a broader pattern of underappreciation for players plying their trade outside Europe’s glamour leagues.
Many believe that Osimhen’s omission is a victim of this bias. It would be recalled that his goals played a key role in Galatasaray’s league and cup double.
However, his feats in Turkey did not carry the same weight in Ballon d’Or deliberations as those achieved in Spain, England, or France.
Soccernet’s Verdict: Does Osimhen Deserve This Omission?
Without a doubt, if Osimhen have scored 37 goals in 41 appearances in any of the top five clubs. It would be a different conversation. I mean, we’ll be seeing him competing with the likes of Yamal, Erling Haaland, and the like for a top-five spot.
So, Osimhen’s omission feels harsh, especially given his record-breaking scoring form. But the Ballon d’Or has always rewarded more than just goals, and narrative often matters just as much.
Osimhen may have missed out this year, but considering his age, the Super Eagles talisman still has time to return to the elite stage and reinsert his name into the Ballon d’Or conversation.