Ademola Lookman secured 14th position in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings at Monday’s glamorous ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, as Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernández claimed the prestigious prize.
The Atalanta striker, who was the only African nominee among the 30-man shortlist released by France Football on October 26, earned recognition following his historic hat-trick that secured his club’s first-ever Europa League trophy.
“It’s special being on the list and even more special being the only African,” Lookman told BBC Sport Africa. “We have achieved great things this year, with club and country. To be recognised as one of the contenders is a great achievement.”
The 27-year-old’s impressive season saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games, while also scoring three goals to help Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
