Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has expressed his excitement over being nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best player. The Atalanta winger is among the 30 players vying for the accolade following a standout season both for his club and country.
Lookman, who notably scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final last season, attributes his nomination to his hard work and dedication on the field. As the only African player on the men’s shortlist, he recognizes the significance of this achievement but views it as just the beginning of his journey.
In an interview with the BBC, the Nigerian international stated, “It’s obviously special being on the list. I have achieved great things for club and country. It’s been a defining year in terms of progress and steps taken, which I’m very proud of. This is just the start. Obviously, great things come with hard work, so working hard is an important thing to me.”
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In addition to the Ballon d’Or nomination, Lookman is also a contender for the African Player of the Year award, with the winner to be announced on December 16, 2024, in Morocco.
