"I was a bit surprised" - Serie A star recalls 'special feeling' after 2024 Ballon d'Or nomination
Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman recently talked about receiving a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The versatile attacker was the only African on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or after a stellar year for club and country.
Lookman was something of a journeyman in England before finding a permanent home in Italy with Atalanta in 2022. The forward finished his first season with the Serie A side with 15 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances before improving on his performances in his second season. He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 45 appearances for the club, and starred at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
Ademola Lookman was on international duty with Nigeria's Super Eagles when France Football revealed the list of nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The 26-year-old said on the Counter Attack Podcast that it was a special achievement for him and came as a surprise.
"It’s a special, special, feeling man. I was on a bus on the way back from training and I saw an handle post that I’d been nominated for the Ballon d’Or and I was a bit surprised. I kept scrolling, then I saw loads and loads of notifications, so I knew it was real," he said (via Soccernet.ng).
"Obviously, I am in a room with Calvin Bassey and when I told him, he was just jumping up and down. He was very happy and was like you don’t really understand. That was when I took it in."
The former Everton man became the first man in history to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, doing so as his side defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. He also scored three goals and provided an assist as Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire.
With his nomination, Lookman becomes only the eighth Nigerian Ballon d'Or nominee ever. The forward is being tipped as a favorite for the African Footballer of the Year, as well.
Ademola Lookman justifies Ballon d'Or nomination with international displays
Fresh from receiving his first-ever nomination for the Ballon d'Or, Ademola Lookman showed his level during the international break. The Atalanta ace was part of the Nigerian squad for games against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the AFCON Qualifiers, and he delivered in style.
Lookman scored twice to help the Super Eagles claim a 3-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo before featuring against Rwanda. The forward had a goal controversially ruled out but was the brightest spark as both sides battled go a goalless draw.
Ademola Lookman had his head turned by an approach from PSG in the summer, which resulted in his pulling out of games for Atalanta. With the transfer window now closed, the forward will be fully focused on performing for his club in Italy.