Ademola Lookman, winger for Italian club Atalanta, has emerged as the 14th highest-ranking player in the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or. This achievement positions Lookman as one of Nigeria’s top-rated players in the history of the awards, placing him alongside celebrated names like Victor Osimhen and Nwankwo Kanu, who have long held the country’s highest honors in world football rankings.
The Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony, which took place in Paris on Monday, witnessed an array of international football stars vying for the honor of the world’s best. Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri was crowned winner of the men’s category, marking the first time a defensive midfielder has clinched the award since its inception in 1956. In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati retained her title for the second consecutive year, solidifying her place among the finest female players globally.
Rodri’s victory, however, stirred some controversy as Real Madrid boycotted the event. The Spanish club had anticipated that one of their star players, Vinicius Junior, would take the top honor, but when it became clear that Rodri would be crowned instead, they opted to skip the event entirely. Vinicius himself expressed frustration on social media, saying, “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”
But amidst this European rivalry, Lookman’s achievement shines bright, adding to Nigeria’s growing legacy in world football. His 14th-place finish makes him the third-highest-ranked Nigerian in Ballon d’Or history, trailing only behind Victor Osimhen and Nwankwo Kanu.
Osimhen, who played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title victory last season, remains Nigeria’s highest-ranked Ballon d’Or candidate, having finished in 8th position in 2023. Meanwhile, Nwankwo Kanu, who ranked 11th in 1996, continues to be celebrated for his legendary contributions to Nigerian football and the English Premier League. Following Lookman’s success, here is an updated list of Nigeria’s top Ballon d’Or placements:
- Victor Osimhen – 8th (2023)
- Nwankwo Kanu – 11th (1996)
- Ademola Lookman – 14th (2024)
- Finidi George – 21st (Year Unspecified)
- Victor Ikpeba – 32nd (Year Unspecified)
Speaking after the announcement, Lookman expressed his gratitude to the fans and his determination to continue improving on his skills, “I am honored to be recognized on this platform. It’s a great motivation to keep working hard and representing Nigeria on the world stage.”
