Victor Osimhen has been nominated for the 2023 FIFA The Best Men’s Player Award.
Osimhen, after a remarkable season with Napoli, secured his second nomination in a week, having also made the shortlist for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
The striker who led Napoli to its first Serie A title in 33 years is also joined on the list by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, his teammate in Naples.
Osimhen won the Serie A highest goalscorer award last season — becoming the first African to achieve the feat.
The masked striker also finished highest goalscorer of the just-concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier series with ten goals.
Messi, the current holder, claimed the Ligue 1 title with PSG last season and earned a place in the Ligue 1 team of the year. Other notable nominees include Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne.
Five current Manchester City players make the list, with Ilkay Gundogan who played for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, also on the shortlist.
According to FIFA, the winner will be decided by votes from an international jury comprising national team captains and coaches, journalists, and fans from all over the world.
