Paris, Oct. 29 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, capped a stellar year with a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, setting a new benchmark as the highest-ranked African on this year’s list. The Atalanta forward was also the second-highest player from Italy’s Serie A, only following Inter’s Lautaro Martinez.

Lookman, 27, was the lone representative from both Atalanta and Nigeria on the 30-player shortlist, surpassing Serie A stars like Hakan Calhanoglu and Roma’s Artem Dovbyk. His success builds on a breakthrough season and a series of career-defining moments.

The highlight of Lookman’s year came in May, when he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This accomplishment made him one of only four players to net a hat-trick in a major European final and the first in a Europa League final, etching his name into European football history.

Internationally, Lookman played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations final in early 2024, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost to Ivory Coast, the host nation. His achievements have positioned him as the frontrunner for the CAF Africa Player of the Year award, an honour currently held by compatriot Victor Osimhen.

With his historic Ballon d’Or ranking, Lookman continues to solidify his position as one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents.