Remilekun Awokoya
Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has been named among the 30 players shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
Lookman’s nomination follows his outstanding performances for Atalanta, which culminated in the club’s victory in the Europa League last season.
Notably, he made history by scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a Europa League final.
The list also features Jude Bellingham of England, who currently plays for Real Madrid.
Bellingham is considered one of the frontrunners for the award, having won both the La Liga and Champions League with Madrid. He also played a pivotal role in leading England to the final of Euro 2024.
Erling Haaland of Norway and Manchester City is another strong contender. Haaland’s prolific goal-scoring helped Manchester City secure the Premier League title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
However, Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024 might impact his chances.
Brazilian star Vinicius Jr., also from Real Madrid, is among the favorites as well. His contributions were crucial in Madrid’s successful campaigns in both La Liga and the Champions League last season.
Full Ballon d’Or nominees below:
Jude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)
Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)
Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)
Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)
Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)
Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)
Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)
Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)
Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)
Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)
Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)
Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)
Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)
Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)
Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)
Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)
Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)
Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)
Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)
Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)
Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)
William Saliba (France and Arsenal)
Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)
Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)
Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)