Lookman Excited On Ballon D’Or Nomination

Ademola Lookman, an Atlanta player and Nigerian forward, called his Ballon d’Or nomination for 2024 a “special feeling.”

The versatile attacker, who was recently named on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, has enjoyed a stellar season for both club and country. He is the only African to make the cut this year, ahead of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who was nominated last year, and Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah.

Lookman, who previously plied his trade in England, found his feet after joining Atalanta in 2022, as the former Everton man finished his first season with the Serie A side with 15 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances. He surpassed that in his second year, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 appearances.

His form also extended to the international stage, where he played a starring role for Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 26-year-old revealed on the Counter Attack Podcast how he learnt of his Ballon d’Or nomination while on international duty with the Super Eagles, saying, “It’s a special, special feeling, man.

“I was on a bus on the way back from training and I saw a handle post that I’d been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and I was a bit surprised. I kept scrolling, and then I saw loads and loads of notifications, so I knew it was real.”

Lookman shared how his Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey reacted to the news.