He ended the 2023-24 season with 17 goals, and 10 assists in all competitions for Atalanta, while also becoming the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition.
Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman has been ranked in the 14th position in the prestigious 2024 prestigious Ballon d’Or award as a reward for a scintillating year for club and country.
The organisers made the announcement on Monday, and Lookman was named in the 14th position.
Lookman enjoyed a successful year for club and country, and he has been rewarded as the 14th best player in the world.
He began the year with impressive performances for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
The 27-year-old scored three goals, and recorded one assist for the Super Eagles in their run to the final of the competition.
He also singlehandedly won the 2024-24 Europa League trophy for Atalanta, with a match-winning hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
He ended the 2023-24 season with 17 goals, and 10 assists in all competitions for Atalanta, while also becoming the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition.
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Lookman described it as a special feeling to be the only African to be nominated for the prestigious award.
He said: “It’s special being on the list and even more special being the only African.
“We have achieved great things this year, with club and country. To be recognised as one of the contenders is a great achievement.
“I’m anticipating the future because I’m looking forward to achieving great things,” he said. “I’m never really satisfied. That’s always my mindset – let’s go for more.”
In 2023, another Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen finished ninth in the rankings after he led Napoli to their first league title in 33 years.
Lookman has already scored five goals, and recorded five assists for Atalanta in all competitions this season.
