Super Eagles of Nigeria and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has been ranked the 14th best men’s player in the world in 2024.
Lookman, who was ranked in Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France, is the only African listed in the 30-man shortlist for this year’s awards.
The Atalanta winger follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen who was ranked 8th best player on the world at last year’s Ballon d’Or awards.
In May, Lookman’s sensational hat trick in the Europa League final earned Gian Piero Gasperini his first trophy as a coach, and Atalanta’s first silverware in 61 years.
The 27-year-old is also the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition, and only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final.
Manchester City and Spain’s Rodri is favourite to win the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or award, ahead of Real Madrid’s duo, Vinicius Jnr and Jude Bellingham.
Lookman is also favourite to win the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, at the CAF Awards ceremony which will be held in December.
