-by Yemi Olajide:
Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award, making him the only African player among the 30-man shortlist.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by *France Football* magazine.
The 26-year-old, who plays for Atalanta in Italy, had an outstanding season, helping his team secure its first-ever European trophy. Lookman’s hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen was one of the standout moments of his campaign.
In total, he netted 17 goals and provided 11 assists for Atalanta last season.
“Being nominated for the Ballon d’Or is a dream come true,” Lookman said after the announcement. “It’s a reflection of the hard work and support from my teammates, coaches, and fans.”
Lookman was also a key figure for Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, where he scored two goals, helping the Super Eagles reach the final.
Although Nigeria finished as runners-up, losing 2-1 to host nation Côte d’Ivoire, his performances earned widespread praise.Notably absent from this year’s Ballon d’Or list are eight-time winner Lionel Messi and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 2024 list is dominated by Spanish national team players, following their Euro 2024 triumph, and Real Madrid stars from their UEFA Champions League-winning squad.
Other notable nominees include Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, all of whom are considered favorites for the award.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced later this year. For Lookman, this nomination is a testament to his growing influence on the global football stage.
