Lookman finishes 14th in 2024 Ballon d’Or

Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman has finished in 14th place in the final rankings of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The 27-year-old was the only representative from Atalanta or Nigeria on the award and he finished as the second highest Serie A player in the final rankings, behind Lautaro Martinez of Inter.

Lookman introduced himself to the rest of the world with his hat-trick in the Europa League final in May and thus became one of only four players to ever score a hat-trick in a major European final, and the only player ever to do so in a Europa League final.

He was also a key player in the Nigeria squad that made it all the way to the Africa Cup of Nations final at the start of 2024, scoring the goals that took Eagles to the quarterfinals and semifinals. He was also named in the team of the tournament.

Lookman is also shortlisted for the African player of the year and looks the odds on favourite to succeed his countryman, Victor Osimhen who was a Ballon d’Or nominee in 2023 and finished eighth.