Ademola Lookman has shared his excitement and disbelief after being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, making him the only African on the 2024 shortlist.
The Nigerian forward, who had an outstanding season with Atalanta, expressed his pride in this career-defining moment, Footballrover reports.
Lookman’s inclusion follows a remarkable year where he helped Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and played an important role in guiding Atalanta to their first-ever UEFA Europa League title.
The 26-year-old’s performances have positioned him among the world’s elite players.
Ademola Lookman: The only African nominee for 2024 Ballon d’Or
In a recent interview, the Super Eagles star expressed his disbelief and joy at being considered one of the top players globally, describing the moment as special.
“It’s crazy. And being the only African on the list is even more special. I’m proud of it. It’s an honour, knowing where I come from,” he told France Football as per TMW.
Lookman also highlighted his career-defining performance in the Europa League final, where his historic hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen secured the club’s maiden European title.
This feat established him as a club legend.
“The feeling of winning and having gold around your neck is an incomparable feeling. And writing history in a small city like Bergamo is something extraordinary. I was very struck by the fact that (Gian Piero) Gasperini told me a few days later that I had become part of football history. It’s true, it’s an honour, but I worked hard to get here.”
Following his remarkable season, Lookman is also a leading contender for the African Footballer of the Year award and was named Atalanta’s POTM of September.
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