Ballon d’Or 2024: Lookman Aims For History as Vinicius is Poised to Claim the Award

Published 

on October 29, 2024

By HAMZAT BALIKIS

Only one African footballer has ever won the Ballon d’Or.

In 1995,George Weah earned the award due to his performances with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

The Liberian icon also claimed the African Footballer of the Year title three times and is regarded as one of the greatest strikers in history.

Since then, no player from the continent has come top of the Ballon d’Or voting.

Sadio Mane came closest to winning in 2022 when he finished in second place.

The Senegalese winger, who was with Liverpool at the time, netted 23 goals in 51 appearances and played a crucial role in nearly leading the club to Champions League success.

This year, Ademola Lookman is in fact the only African included in the 30-man shortlist.

Lookman received the recognition after a remarkable season with Atalanta, where he won the UEFA Europa League and scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

He was also awarded Atalanta’s Player of the Year, concluding the season with 11 goals and seven assists in 31 league appearances.

Lookman also made it to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, where they were defeated by the host nation, Ivory Coast.

Will this be sufficient for Lookman to conclude a 29-year wait?

“I find it nearly unimaginable to envision Ademola Lookman winning the Ballon d’Or this year,” Wale Agbede, the Head of Sports at Plus TV, stated to DAILY POST.

“I believe the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or are fairly clear. Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and so on.”

“However, it is still a significant acknowledgment in itself. Regardless of the outcome, the history books will record that he was a contender. He is undoubtedly one of the top 30 players in world football now.”

“I believe his chances are nearly nonexistent, but it’s still a fantastic acknowledgment of his accomplishments with Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.”

A prophet is likely to be respected in his own country – or continent.

Lookman, who is Nigeria’s eighth nominee for the Ballon d’Or, is probably the top contender to win the African Footballer of the Year award when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) holds its own ceremony in December.

The 25-year-old was part of a 10-man shortlist that also featured his Nigerian teammate William Troost-Ekong, Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire/Brighton & Hove Albion), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).

“In my opinion, being the sole African player nominated for the Ballon d’Or should clearly qualify him as the African Footballer of the Year.”

“Lookman played a significant role for the Super Eagles at the AFCON this year and had an outstanding season with his club, where he was also key to their success.”

“I believe you already have a champion for the CAF Player of the Year right there.”

Before all that, though, we will find out who the winner of the Ballon d’Or is.

Agbede does not agree with what is the popular choice.

“I think Rodri is the best player in the world, to be honest.

“And I believe Bellingham is a superior player compared to Vinicius,” he added.