Ballon d'Or: Super Eagles star Lookman fourteenth, ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea stars

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been ranked fourteenth in the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards, surpassing notable stars such as Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer.

 This recognition comes on the heels of Lookman's stellar performances for both club and country.

The 27-year-old winger enjoyed a phenomenal season with Atalanta, where he netted 17 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions.

His crowning moment came in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to propel Atalanta to victory, securing the UEFA Europa League title and etching his name in the club's history.

On the international stage, Lookman showcased his talent by helping Nigeria secure a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where he contributed three goals to the team's impressive run.

Continuing his fine form into the current campaign, Lookman has already scored five goals and provided five assists, further solidifying his status as a key player for Atalanta.

At the glamorous ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Lookman's ranking of fourteenth was a highlight, placing him ahead of Saka (21st), Ødegaard (19th), and Chelsea's Palmer (25th), and marking a significant milestone in his career.

With this nomination, Lookman joined the ranks of legendary Nigerian players who have been recognized at the Ballon d'Or, including Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Victor Osimhen, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

His achievement not only reflected his individual talent but also the growing prominence of Nigerian football on the global stage.

Adeyemi Adewale

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