Super Eagles Forward Ademola Lookman Nominated for 2024 Ballon d'Or
Prince Jean
Sep 5, 2024
Ademola Lookman Nominated for 2024 Ballon d'Or, Representing Africa on the Prestigious 30-Man Shortlist. Photo:gettyimages
Super Eagles and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman has earned a spot on the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award, making him the sole African representative on this year's prestigious list.
Lookman's nomination comes after an outstanding season, highlighted by his incredible hat-trick in the Europa League final, where Atalanta triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen. His impressive form throughout the season saw him score 17 goals and provide 11 assists for the Italian side. Additionally, the former Everton forward played a crucial role in helping Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished as runners-up, losing 2-1 to the hosts. Lookman contributed two vital goals during the tournament.
Notably absent from this year’s nominees are eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a shift in football's elite as new stars emerge.
This year’s Ballon d'Or shortlist also reflects the dominance of Spain’s national team, who clinched the Euro 2024 title, and Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions.
Full List of 2024 Ballon d'Or Nominees:
Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen
Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
William Saliba – Arsenal
Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter Milan
Declan Rice – Arsenal
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Cole Palmer – Chelsea
Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Vinícius Jr. – Real Madrid
Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal
Dani Olmo – Barcelona
Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
Mats Hummels – Roma
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao
Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen
Artem Dovbyk – Roma
Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Phil Foden – Manchester City
Ruben Dias – Manchester City
Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa
This recognition cements Lookman’s rise as a key player in European and African football. His contributions at both the club and international levels continue to set him apart as one of the most talented players of his generation.
