Ademola Lookman: Super Eagles Forward Ranks 14th in First Ballon d’Or Outing

• Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has been ranked 14th in the Ballon d'Or award list
• Lookman was the only African male footballer nominated and made it to the top half of this year's list
• He is the favourite to be named the CAF's African Footballer of the Year in Morocco in December

Ademola Lookman has finished 14th on the Ballon d'Or ranking in his first appearance at the coveted award's ceremony after a brilliant year for Atalanta and the Super Eagles.

Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta winning their first-ever European trophy and first trophy since 1963, the UEFA Europa League, scoring a hat trick in the 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

He also helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, finishing as runners-up after losing to host country Ivory Coast.

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Lookman’s Ballon d'Or ranking

There were several lists flying on social media ahead of the announcement, which suggested that the Nigerian forward finished outside of the top 15 in the rankings.

According to the Ballon d'Or official X account, the Atalanta forward, who is the only African male nominated, finished 14th in a remarkable year for club and country.

He finished below the 8th place, compatriot, and Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen attained last year when he received his first nomination after helping Napoli win the title.

Lookman reacts to Ballon d'Or finish

Lookman reacted to his Ballon d'Or finish during his red carpet appearance after he was announced to have ranked 14th in the final standings.

Lookman turned up stylishly adorned in a black suit and expressed happiness at being nominated, as it is a big achievement for his club, Atalanta and his country, Nigeria.

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Predicted winners for CAF Awards

YEN.com.gh analysed predicted winners for the CAF Awards after the African governing body announced the 10-man shortlist for each category of its men's awards.

Two Ballon d'Or nominees, Ademola Lookman and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, headlined the nominees and are expected to win their respective categories in Morocco.

Source: Legit.ng