Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, announced at the ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. The Atalanta forward is the only African player on the 30-man shortlist this year and is recognized for his outstanding performances in the past season.
Lookman made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975, leading Atalanta to their first-ever Europa League title against Bayer Leverkusen. During the season, he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists, solidifying Atalanta’s position as a strong competitor in Serie A.
He is also a frontrunner for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, reflecting his remarkable contributions on the field. Additionally, Lookman’s ranking places him ahead of notable players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba.
This recognition follows Victor Osimhen’s historic eighth-place finish in last year’s Ballon d’Or, making Lookman the second Nigerian in two years to achieve a top 15 ranking. He was also a standout player for Nigeria at the recent African Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and earning a spot in the tournament’s best XI.
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