2024 Ballon d’Or Nominees Announced: Ademola Lookman Represents Africa on the Shortlist

The eagerly awaited nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or have been announced, with Ademola Lookman distinguished as the sole African representative on the 30-man shortlist.

Lookman’s exceptional performances for Atalanta in Serie A, his remarkable hat trick in the UEFA Europa League final, and his significant contributions during the 2023 AFCON have firmly established him as a formidable candidate for this esteemed award.

Ademola Lookman becomes the eighth Nigerian to receive a nomination for the men's Ballon d'Or, joining a prestigious group of Nigerian football icons.

Lookman’s nomination has sparked optimism that he may emulate Victor Osimhen, who not only secured the title of African Footballer of the Year but also made history last season by finishing eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, surpassing numerous global superstars.

In recognition of Lookman’s accomplishment, the Super Eagles extended their congratulations via social media, stating: “Congratulations to our own @Alookman_ who has been nominated for the @ballondor award. Good luck Demola 🔥🙌🏽 #soarsupereagles.”

Complete List of 2024 Ballon d’Or Nominees:

• Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid
• Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
• Lautaro Martinez – Inter
• Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
• Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen
• Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid
• William Saliba – Arsenal
• Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
• Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
• Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter
• Declan Rice – Arsenal
• Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
• Cole Palmer – Chelsea
• Vitinha – PSG
• Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid
• Martin Odegaard – Arsenal
• Dani Olmo – Barcelona
• Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen
• Mats Hummels – Roma
• Erling Haaland – Man City
• Nicolas Williams – Athletic Bilbao
• Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen
• Artem Dovbik – Roma
• Toni Kroos – Real Madrid
• Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
• Phil Foden – Man City
• Ruben Dias – Man City
• Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
• Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa.

Categories for Women:

Women’s Player of the Year: Nominees include Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), and Barbra Banda (Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride).
Women’s Club of the Year: The contenders are Barcelona, Chelsea, Lyon, and PSG.
Women’s Coach of the Year: The nominees are Sonia Bompastor (Lyon/Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Corinthians/Brazil), Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona/Washington Spirit), Filipa Patao (Benfica), and Sarina Wiegman (England).

Categories for Men:

Men’s Club of the Year: The clubs nominated are Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
Men’s Coach of the Year: The nominees include Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Luis de la Fuente, Gian Piero Gasperini, Pep Guardiola, and Lionel Scaloni.

Yachine Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): The nominees are Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gregor Kobel, Andrei Lunine, and Mike Maignan.

Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): The contenders are Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Garnacho, Arda Guler, Karim Konate, and Kobbie Mainoo.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony is scheduled for October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the football community will convene to celebrate the finest players in the sport. Who do you anticipate will win these prestigious awards?