Atalanta: Lookman’s first in our heart for Ballon d’Or 2024

Ademola Lookman may have finished as the 14th best player in the world ahead of such players as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Granit Xhaka but to his Serie Club, Atalanta, the 27-year-old is the winner.

In a post on X, Atalanta expressed their pride, saying, ‘FIRST in our heart.’

Lookman enjoyed an outstanding 2023/24 season with both Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

He helped Nigeria finish second in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in February, scoring the goals that qualified the team to the quarter and semifinals. He was also voted into the team of the tournament.

In May, he helped Atalanta win their first European club trophy, netting a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League.

He 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.