‘Doesn’t change anything’- Napoli’s Osimhen responds to Ballon d’Or snub

Victor Osimhen was recently voted the world’s eighth-best player in the recently concluded 2023 Ballon d’Or award

Super Eagles standout, Victor Osimhen, has shared his thoughts on being overlooked for Lionel Messi by the Nigerian representative in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a recent podcast interview, Osimhen acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their opinion and noted the absence of votes from Nigeria in his favour.

Despite the snub, the Napoli striker emphasised his significant contributions for the Diego Maradona outfits during the previous season.

Osimhen’s impressive performance included scoring 31 goals in 39 games, a pivotal factor in Napoli clinching the Serie A title after a 33-year wait.

This achievement earned him the eighth spot in the Ballon d’Or rankings, making him the first Nigerian to achieve such recognition.

Addressing the snub on Obionepodcast, Osimhen maintained his focus on those who support and appreciate him wholeheartedly.

“For real, I just saw what you said today. One of my friends showed it to me. But, I feel like, for me everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is what I always believe. No one can deny the effort that I put in last season. No one can try to downplay my performance last season.” he said.

Speaking further, the Nigerian international highlighted the importance of family and friends, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.

He added: “At the end of the day, I came eighth. [And] even if I came tenth or eleventh, I think I have done so much for myself to get the recognition I am having, or the one I will continue to have. So, for me, it doesn’t really change anything, they can vote for who they like, it’s all love. From my own side, I really don’t put these things into consideration because I focus on people who love me wholeheartedly, the ones who support me, the ones who defend me and everything like that. My family, my friends.”

The Super Eagles talisman stressed that he values the love and encouragement from those who recognise his efforts, rather than dwelling on those who attempt to diminish his accomplishments.

“These [love and support] are the things that really matter to me. Not the ones that try to downplay everything that i have worked on, the season that I had, and try to put the credit to another man. So, for me, it’s normal. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. So it doesn’t change anything. I came out eighth, I am proud of myself.” Osimhen concluded.

As Osimhen continues to recover from an injury sustained during Nigeria’s match against Mozambique, his absence from the Super Eagles lineup for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe will undoubtedly be felt.