Victor Osimhen of the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Napoli of Italy has been named the eighth best football player in Europe for the 2022/23 season in the second edition of the MARCA Top 100 awards.

The award ranks the season’s top 100 players based on the votes of 115 journalists, former players, past coaches, and influencers, as well as a popular vote from over 10,000 individuals who voted on MARCA.com.

The Nigeria striker, who is the only African player on the top ten list, was instrumental in Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years last season.

He scored 26 goals in the Italian top division, making him the first African to do so.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City went home with the award as the best footballer of the 2022/23 season in the MARCA Top 100 awards, by Spoticar.

The Manchester City striker scored 5,631 points, 679 points more than second-placed Lionel Messi and 699 points more than third-placed Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.

“My only ambition is to win the next match,” he stated after collecting the trophy when MARCA visited his club facilities.

“The reality is that I don’t like to talk about myself too much, I don’t feel more special than anyone else,” he said.

“I came to Manchester City for this, to win titles.

“I can say that it has been my best season, but we have to keep progressing.”

Kylian Mbappe, Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri also featured on the list after they enjoyed a brilliant season with their respective club and country.

Antoine Griezmann, Victor Osimhen, Ilkay Gundogan and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rounded off the top 10 of the vote that crowned Haaland as the undisputed king.

Marca Top 10 of 2023:

1. Erling Haaland

2. Lionel Messi

3. Vinicius Jr.

4. Kylian Mbappe

5. Kevin de Bruyne

6. Rodri

7. Antoine Griezmann

8. Victor Osimhen

9. Ilkay Gundogan

10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia