Ademola Lookman Battle Vinicius Junior, Others For 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or

Ademola Lookman Battle Vinicius Junior, Others For 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or

Ibrahim Lateef

Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

For the first time since 2003, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in the final list. African Player of the Year and former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who moved to Galatasaray on Wednesday, was also excluded from the Ballon d’Or nominees.

Lookman is the only African player nominated for the football prestigious award. Lookman, who's the big surprise on the the nomination list scored a hat-trick when Atalanta won the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen. The absolute favourite to win is said to be Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid after their Champions League and LaLiga triumph under Carlo Ancelotti. The winner will be announced during the prestigious ceremony in Paris on October 28, along with the Yashin Award for goalkeepers, trophies for best young player, coach and women’s player.