Lookman Shines as Sole African in Ballon d’Or Top 30, Boosting Hopes for African Footballer of the Year
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has achieved an impressive 14th place in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, marking him as the only African player on this year’s 30-man shortlist. Lookman’s standout performances with Atalanta and Nigeria propelled him onto the prestigious list, further solidifying his position as one of the continent’s top football talents.
The 25-year-old winger has had an exceptional season in Serie A, where he was named Atalanta’s Player of the Year. He contributed 11 goals and seven assists over 31 league appearances, earning widespread recognition for his impact on the field. Lookman’s talents shone brightly on the European stage as well; he netted a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, a team that entered the final undefeated in the tournament.
Lookman’s Ballon d’Or finish comes a year after fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen placed 8th in 2022, marking a strong showing for Nigerian players on the world stage. Expectations are now high for Lookman to be crowned African Footballer of the Year in December, a recognition that would further highlight his rising influence in African football.
As Lookman celebrates this Ballon d’Or achievement, his success serves as a proud moment for African football, inspiring the next generation of players across the continent.
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