Photo: Ademola Lookman

Ballon d’Or 2024: Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman Nominated as Only African Player Shortlisted

Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, marking a significant achievement as the only African player to be shortlisted for the prestigious award this year.

This nomination comes after a standout season where Lookman consistently delivered exceptional performances for both club and country.

The Nigerian forward made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League Final, a feat that earned him the Man of the Match award.

Ademola Lookman
Photo: Ademola Lookman

His outstanding contributions were further recognized when he was included in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season and the AFCON Team of the Tournament, underlining his influence on both the European and African stages.

Lookman played a pivotal role in guiding Nigeria to the AFCON final and Atalanta to the Coppa Italia final, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest levels of competition.

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His performances not only helped his teams reach these finals but also cemented his reputation as one of the top players in African and European football.

Lookman was named Atalanta’s Player of the Season, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Italian club.

His historic hat-trick in a major European final and his consistent excellence throughout the season have earned him well-deserved recognition on the global stage with his Ballon d’Or nomination.

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