Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been named on the prestigious 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, marking a significant milestone in his career. Lookman’s nomination follows a stellar performance in the Europa League final, where he secured a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 4-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His efforts played a pivotal role in delivering the Italian club its first-ever European trophy.
Lookman’s inclusion on the list is particularly noteworthy, as he is the sole African representative among this year’s nominees, a rare achievement for players from the continent. The Nigerian forward’s rise to global recognition highlights his growth as a key player for both club and country. His performances throughout the season, including his decisive role in the Europa League, have earned him a place among football’s elite.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist reflects a significant shift in the football world, with neither Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner, nor Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, featured in the nominations. This marks the first time in over a decade that both iconic players are absent from the list, signaling a new era in the race for football’s most coveted individual award.
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This year’s shortlist is dominated by players from Spain’s national team, fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph, and Real Madrid, who claimed the 2024 UEFA Champions League title. Lookman’s nomination stands out not only for his impressive personal achievements but also as a representation of African football’s growing influence on the global stage.
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Full List of Ballon d’Or Nominees
Full list of Ballon d’Or contenders
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
Women’s Categories
The Ballon d’Or also recognises outstanding achievements in women’s football, with the following nominees:
Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona, Chelsea, Lyon, PSG
Women’s Coach of the Year:
Sonia Bompastor (Lyon/Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Corinthians/Brazil), Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona/Washington Spirit), Filipa Patao (Benfica), Sarina Wiegman (England)
Women’s Player of the Year:
Lauren Hemp (Man City), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), and Barbra Banda Shanghai (Shanghai RCB/Orlando Pride) are top on the list…
Men’s Categories
Men’s Club of the Year:
Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, Manchester City
Men’s Coach of the Year:
Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Luis de la Fuente, Gian Piero Gasperini, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Scaloni
Yachine Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gregor Kobel, Andrei Lunine and Mike Maignan are leading the list…
Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Garnacho, Arda Guler, Karim Konate and Kobbie Mainoo are top on the nomination list.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on 28 October at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, celebrating the world’s most prestigious individual football player awards.
