Ademola Lookman Makes Ballon d’Or Shortlist, Messi, Ronaldo Not Shortlisted

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been named among the 30 players shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, as announced by France Football Magazine on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Nigerian stands as the only African player on the list, following in the footsteps of his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who finished in the top 8 last season.

Lookman’s performances for Atalanta last season played a pivotal role in the club’s first-ever European trophy win.

His hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen was a highlight, capping off a season in which he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists for the Italian side.

Lookman helped Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year, where the Super Eagles finished as runners-up after a 2-1 loss to the hosts.

Neither Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, nor Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, made the list this year.

The shortlist is dominated by players from the Spanish national team, fresh off their Euro 2024 win, and Real Madrid, the UEFA Champions League champions.

30 nominees below: 

• Jude Bellingham
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu
• Dani Carvajal
• Martin Ødegaard
• Dani Olmo
• Cole Palmer
• Rúben Dias
• Declan Rice
• Artem Dovbyk
• Rodri
• Phil Foden
• Antonio Rüdiger
• Alejandro Grimaldo
• Bukayo Saka
• Erling Haaland
• William Saliba
• Mats Hummels
• Federico Valverde
• Harry Kane
• Vinícius Jr.
• Toni Kroos
• Vitinha
• Ademola Lookman
• Nico Williams
• Emiliano Martínez
• Florian Wirtz
• Lautaro Martínez
• Kylian Mbappé
• Granit Xhaka
• Lamine Yamal

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