Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has achieved a remarkable 14th place ranking in the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, held in Paris, France. The Atalanta forward narrowly missed joining Victor Osimhen, who ranked 8th last year, as one of the few Nigerians to secure a top-10 spot in Ballon d’Or history.

Lookman, however, stands as the only African player on the Ballon d’Or shortlist this year. He shone last season as Atalanta claimed its first European trophy, with Lookman scoring a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. Across the season, he tallied 17 goals and 11 assists for the Italian club.

The former Everton star was equally pivotal in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final earlier this year in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring twice as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up to the hosts in a closely contested 2-1 defeat.

Lookman has carried this form into the new season, recording five goals and three assists, including a crucial goal for Nigeria in the AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic. Additionally, he has been shortlisted for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.

This year’s Ballon d’Or nominees are dominated by players from Spain’s national team, who won Euro 2024, and Real Madrid, who triumphed in the UEFA Champions League. Spanish and Manchester City midfielder is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the prestigious award this year.