Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has secured the 14th spot in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings. The 26-year-old, who currently plays for Atalanta in Serie A, stands out as the only African player to make this year’s list, following in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who placed in the top eight in the previous season.
Lookman’s rise to international prominence has been fueled by his remarkable achievements on both club and national stages over the past year.
Days prior to the Ballon d’Or announcement, he was also named as a nominee for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award, a testament to his influence in African football.
Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic 2023-24 season, during which the club clinched its first-ever European trophy.
His performance was capped by a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a highlight that solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
Across the season, Lookman contributed 17 goals and 11 assists for Atalanta, and beyond his club contributions, Lookman’s success extended to the international stage with Nigeria.
He was instrumental in the Super Eagles’ impressive run in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where they reached the final. Although Nigeria ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 to the hosts.
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