Following his stellar campaign with Atalanta last season, Ademola Lookman has earned the recognition as one of the best footballers in 2024.

The 26-year-old on Wednesday, September 4, was shortlisted among the top 30 candidates for the Ballon d'Or awards by the French Football Magazine.

The former Leicester City loanee was the only African star who made the cut with the likes of Egypt's Mohammed Salah, Nigeria's Victor Boniface and Ghana's Mohammed Kudus all missing out.

In this piece, MyNigeriaSports will highlight some remarkable achievements by the Super Eagles forward that earned him the recognition by the French Football Magazine.

1. First player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League Final

Lookman produced a remarkable performance against Bayer Leverkusen at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, scoring all three goals in Atalanta's historic triumph in the Europa League. He was named the Man of the Match.


2. AFCON Team of the Tournament

The English-born Nigerian was outstanding in his debut African Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast. He scored twice against Cameroon in the round of 16 and the only goal against Angola in the quarter final.


3. AFCON and Coppa Italia finalists

The former RB Leipzig forward helped Nigeria to the final of the African Cup of Nations, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast. He also helped Atalanta to the final of the Coppa Italia where La Dea lost by a lone goal to Juventus.

4. Atalanta Player of the Season

After his brilliant second season Gian Piero Gasperini's side, Lookman was adjudged as the club's Player of the Season last term. He scored 17 goals plus 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for the club.