Ballon d'Or: Atlanta breaks silence as Ademola Lookman finishes ahead of Palmer, Saka

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:08 - 29 October 2024

The Nigerian forward was the only African player on the final 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award.

Atalanta have expressed their pride in Ademola Lookman after he was ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards.

Ranked at the 14th place for the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or! @Alookman_ @Atalanta_BC @thenff #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Fr0CiKRdHx
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024

The Nigerian forward was the only African player to make the final 30-man shortlist.

Ademola Lookman with his coveted man of the match award.

The club took to social media to congratulate Lookman, posting, "14th place for Mola: proud of you Ade."

14º posto per @Alookman_: fieri di te Mola 🖤💙

14th place for Mola: proud of you Ade 🫶🇳🇬🌟 https://t.co/oGxjU6EZO3
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) October 28, 2024

Lookman's impressive performances for club and country led to his nomination for the prestigious award.

His hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen was a highlight of his season, and his contributions to Nigeria's AFCON campaign further solidified his reputation as one of Africa's top talents.

Ademola Lookman celebrating his second goal || Imago

Lookman finishes ahead of Palmer, Saka

Meanwhile, Lookman finished ahead of Chelsea superstar, Cole Palmer and Arsenal's star, Bukayo Saka.

Nigeria's Ademola Lookman fired blank on his birthday.

Football

Ballon d'Or: Lookman finishes ahead of Saka, Palmer and Rice

He did not match Victor Osimhen's 8th-place finish from last year, but Lookman is now a strong favourite for the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in December.

The Super Eagles star joined an elite group of Nigerian football legends recognised at this level, including Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Victor Osimhen, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.