By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Ademola Lookman, Nigerian international and Atalanta forward, is “the only African player on the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or.” This nomination follows a standout 2024 season for Lookman, who scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
“His best moment came in May’s Europa League final,” where his performance also handed Bayer Leverkusen their only defeat of the season. Additionally, Lookman was a key player for Nigeria, contributing to their run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, and helped Atalanta secure a fourth-place finish in Serie A.
Despite rumors of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman remains with Atalanta as he seeks to build on his recent success. Africa is also represented in the women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist by Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga.
Source: BBC
