Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has expressed immense joy over his nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, describing it as a “special feeling.” Lookman, who has had a remarkable season both domestically and internationally, is the sole African footballer on this year’s prestigious 30-man shortlist. His inclusion comes as a surprise to some, given the absence of renowned African stars like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who was nominated last year.
Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nomination follows an outstanding performance in the 2023/2024 season with Atalanta. The Nigerian star joined the Italian side from Everton in 2022 and quickly became an integral player for the team. In his first season, he netted 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances. However, he surpassed those figures in the following season, scoring 17 goals and registering 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
His standout performances for Atalanta were complemented by his pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, where he helped the Super Eagles reach the final in Ivory Coast. Lookman’s form on the international stage cemented his status as one of Africa’s top talents, and his consistent performances made him a deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
Lookman revealed on the Counter Attack podcast that he first learned about his Ballon d’Or nomination while on international duty with the Nigerian national team. “It’s a special, special feeling, man,” he said. “I was on a bus on the way back from training, and I saw a handle post that I’d been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and I was a bit surprised. I kept scrolling, and then I saw loads and loads of notifications, so I knew it was real.”
He further shared that his Super Eagles teammate, Calvin Bassey, was overjoyed by the news. “I am in a room with Calvin Bassey, and when I told him, he was just jumping up and down. He was very happy and was like, ‘You don’t really understand.’ That was when I took it in,” Lookman added.
One of the highlights of Lookman’s year was his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, where Atalanta secured a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to lift the trophy. The Nigerian forward became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, further solidifying his reputation as a top performer in Europe.
In addition to his achievements in Europe, Lookman has been instrumental for Nigeria in their AFCON qualifiers. He scored twice in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo and had a goal controversially ruled out in the goalless draw against Rwanda.
Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nomination makes him the eighth Nigerian player ever to be shortlisted for the prestigious award, joining the ranks of Nigerian football legends like Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha. His outstanding performances have also positioned him as a strong contender for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.
Despite transfer interest from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the summer transfer window, Lookman has remained committed to his journey at Atalanta. With the transfer window now closed, the Nigerian forward is focused on continuing his impressive form for the Italian club in the upcoming season.
Lookman’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or is a testament to his hard work and dedication, marking a significant milestone in his career. As one of Africa’s brightest talents, he will be eager to build on his success and further establish himself on the global stage.
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