Super Eagles Forward Ademola Lookman Nominated for 2024 Ballon d'Or

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:

1. Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

2. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

3. Lautaro Martinez – Inter Milan

4. Ademola Lookman – Atalanta

5. Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen

6. Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid

7. William Saliba – Arsenal

8. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona

9. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

10. Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter Milan

11. Declan Rice – Arsenal

12. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

13. Cole Palmer – Chelsea

14. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

15. Vinícius Jr. – Real Madrid

16. Martin Ødegaard – Arsenal

17. Dani Olmo – Barcelona

18. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen

19. Mats Hummels – Roma

20. Erling Haaland – Manchester City

21. Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao

22. Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen

23. Artem Dovbyk – Roma

24. Toni Kroos – Real Madrid

25. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

26. Phil Foden – Manchester City

27. Ruben Dias – Manchester City

28. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

29. 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.