The 2024 Ballon d’Or is just around the corner, and Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman stands out as the only African player nominated this year. Since George Weah’s remarkable win in 1995, no African player has topped the Ballon d’Or voting. The closest was Sadio Mane, who finished second in 2022 after a stellar season with Liverpool.

Lookman earned his nomination following an impressive season with Atalanta, where he played a key role in winning the UEFA Europa League. He notably scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. Throughout the season, he finished with 11 goals and seven assists in 31 league matches, also being named Atalanta’s Player of the Year.

In addition to his club success, Lookman was instrumental for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, helping them reach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where they lost to Ivory Coast. Despite these achievements, many experts believe Lookman faces stiff competition for the Ballon d’Or, with players like Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and Jude Bellingham being considered the frontrunners.

Wale Agbede, Head of Sports at Plus TV, shared his thoughts on Lookman’s chances, stating that while winning the Ballon d’Or may seem unlikely, being nominated is an incredible honor. He highlighted Lookman’s contributions to both his club and national team and mentioned that Lookman is expected to be a strong contender for the African Footballer of the Year award when it is announced by the Confederation of African Football in December.

Agbede also voiced his opinion on the Ballon d’Or favorites, suggesting that Rodri deserves the title of the best player in the world this year and that Jude Bellingham may be a better player than Vinicius Jr.

As the football community anticipates the announcement of the Ballon d’Or winner, Lookman’s historic nomination shines a light on his achievements and marks a potential new chapter for African football. Whether or not he wins, Lookman’s recognition highlights the growing impact of African players on the global stage.