Osimhen Got An Award, I Never Did, Mikel Obi Hails Ballon D’or Feat

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has praised Galatasary striker, Victor Osimhen’s achievement of finishing eighth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking, describing it as a milestone he and other Nigerian football legends never reached.

Mikel spoke during an episode of the ‘Obi One Podcast’, where he congratulated Osimhen for his historic recognition among the world’s best footballers.

The former Chelsea midfielder said Osimhen’s feat represented a new level for Nigerian football, noting that even celebrated Nigerian players such as himself, Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu never achieved such a ranking.

“I am still the most successful, decorated football player in the gym. Yes, yes. But, you know, I think, you know, he’s obviously, he got an award that I never got. Number eight in the world,” Mikel said.

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“That is absolutely, absolutely amazing. I must say congratulations. I mean, the season you had, it was fantastic. And I never got to that stage. And this is a different stage. You’ve raised the level. You’ve raised the bar so high,” he added.

Mikel, who won several major trophies during his career with Chelsea, including the UEFA Champions League and Premier League titles, said Osimhen’s achievement placed him in an elite category alongside some of the biggest names in world football.

Reflecting on the Ballon d’Or ranking, he asked Osimhen how it felt to be placed eighth behind players including Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

“How do you feel coming number eight in the world? So it was Lionel Messi, Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and then there was a few others. There’s a few others. And me, Jay Jay, Kanu, never got to that stage. You got to that stage. Congratulations. How do you feel about that?” Mikel asked.

Responding, Osimhen thanked Mikel for his contribution to Nigerian football and described him as a major inspiration for young players.

“Thank you. First of all, I have to tell you something, Chris. You know, the man sitting next to you has been a big inspiration for me and aspiring football players,” Osimhen said.

“He’s been a household name. I have to give him his flowers. He’s been an amazing legend for us, an amazing example on and off the pitch. His life, his character. You know, I’m not just saying this because I’m live with you guys and he’s here. I used to say this to every aspiring footballer.”