Ademola Lookman expressed his joy at being nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, describing it as a “special feeling.” The talented forward, who plays for Atalanta and Nigeria, has had an outstanding season, being the sole African player on the 30-man shortlist. Lookman’s impressive performances for both club and country have earned him this recognition, surpassing other notable African players like Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah. Since joining Atalanta in 2022, Lookman has excelled, notably scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in his second season. His success extended to the international stage, where he shone for Nigeria during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nation.
Lookman mentioned how Calvin Bassey reacted enthusiastically to the news, jumping up and down with happiness. The forward’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or follows his remarkable performance in the UEFA Europa League final, where he made history by scoring a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His standout displays continued during the Africa Cup of Nations, contributing significantly as Nigeria reached the tournament final.
Lookman’s nomination places him among the elite Nigerian players ever nominated for the prestigious award, with high expectations for him to contend for the African Footballer of the Year title. Despite PSG’s interest during the transfer window, Lookman remains dedicated to Atalanta following his recent achievements.
