Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian forward for Atalanta, has expressed his elation at being nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, calling it a “special feeling.” The 26-year-old is the sole African player to make the 30-man shortlist this year, an honor that sets him apart from his compatriots, including last year’s nominee Victor Osimhen and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.

Lookman, who has been instrumental for both club and country, shared his reaction to the news on the Counter Attack Podcast. “I was on a bus on the way back from training with the Super Eagles when I saw a post about my Ballon d’Or nomination. I was a bit surprised, then I saw tons of notifications, so I knew it was real,” he said.

His fellow Super Eagles teammate, Calvin Bassey, was ecstatic upon hearing the news. Lookman recounted, “Calvin was jumping up and down when I told him. It was then I really took in the significance of the nomination.”

The forward’s remarkable form this season has been evident both domestically and internationally. In his debut season with Atalanta, Lookman scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances. He surpassed these figures in his second season, netting 17 goals and assisting 10 times in 45 matches. His performance was further highlighted in the UEFA Europa League final, where he made history as the first player to score a hat-trick, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman’s impact extended to the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and assisted in Nigeria’s run to the final. His Ballon d’Or nomination makes him the eighth Nigerian ever to receive such an accolade.

In recent AFCON qualifiers, Lookman continued his impressive form, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo and seeing a goal controversially disallowed in a goalless draw against Rwanda.

Despite summer transfer interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman remains focused on his duties with Atalanta following the closure of the transfer window. His nomination not only highlights his personal achievements but also positions him as a strong contender for the African Footballer of the Year award.