In an exciting year for African football, Ademola Lookman stands as the continent’s sole nominee for the prestigious 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or.
The Nigerian forward, who currently plays for Atalanta, has made the 30-man shortlist, shining alongside Europe's best players. The shortlist includes six players each from England and Spain, following their success in reaching the Euro 2024 final in Germany.
One notable player in the mix is Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona sensation with Moroccan and Equatoguinean roots, who has impressed many despite being just 17 years old.
Lookman is not the only African making waves. Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga have earned nominations in the women’s category, further underscoring Africa’s growing influence on the global stage.
Ademola Lookman’s Breakout Year
2024 has been a defining year for Ademola Lookman, marking his rise as one of Africa’s top football talents. The 26-year-old showcased his skills in both club and international competitions, proving himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), netting three goals. Though the Super Eagles fell short in a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast, Lookman’s performance was among the highlights of the tournament.
On the club front, Lookman continued his stellar form for Atalanta, scoring 11 goals in Serie A and helping his team secure a fourth-place finish, earning them a coveted spot in the 2024 UEFA Champions League.
However, his crowning achievement came in the Europa League final, where Lookman delivered a masterful hat-trick to propel Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This victory not only secured Atalanta the trophy but also handed Leverkusen their only defeat of the season.
Despite rumors linking him to Paris St-Germain during the summer transfer window, Lookman remains loyal to Atalanta. Fans across Italy and West Africa are eagerly watching to see if he can continue his impressive trajectory.
Barbra Banda and Tabitha Chawinga: African Stars of Women's Football
In the women’s category, Africa’s presence is equally strong, with Zambia's Barbra Banda and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga making the cut. Banda, who became the second-most expensive player in history after her move to Orlando Pride in March, has been on fire in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), netting 12 goals in 14 appearances. She also made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 6-5 loss to Australia and finishing the tournament with four goals.
Chawinga, who had an incredible season with Paris St-Germain, scoring 18 goals in 19 league games, has since moved to French giants Lyon. Her sister, Temwa Chawinga, has also made a name for herself, joining the growing ranks of African stars in the NWSL.
African Players Shining in Other Categories
Beyond the Ballon d'Or, African football continues to make its mark. Ivorian forward Karim Konate, who plays for Red Bull Salzburg, is among the 10 nominees for the Kopa Trophy, which recognizes the best young player of the year. Konate was pivotal in Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph earlier this year.
Meanwhile, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has earned a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in the world, further solidifying Africa's presence in global football.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winners will be revealed at a grand ceremony in Paris on October 28. Stay tuned to AfricaSoccer.com, your Latest Africa Football News website, for all the updates and in-depth coverage of African football stars on the world stage.