Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has been nominated for the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, recognized in the Best Men’s Player category for his outstanding performances with both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team throughout the year.
The Atalanta forward, who played a crucial role in the club’s UEFA Europa League success, joins an elite group of nominees including Arsenal’s dynamic duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, Liverpool’s influential winger Mohamed Salah, and rising Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
Adding to the competitive mix are global icons Lionel Messi from Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr.
Lookman showcased his scoring prowess during Atalanta’s historic Europa League campaign, capping it off with a hat-trick in their 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final at Aviva Stadium in May, which delivered the Serie A side its first-ever title in the competition.
The 27-year-old forward has been in sensational form across all competitions, leading the Italian top flight in goal contributions with 17 goals and 11 assists, a remarkable feat for any Serie A player this season.
His impressive performances have also extended to the international stage, where he has been pivotal for Nigeria.
Lookman netted six goals this year for the Super Eagles, three of which came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping propel Nigeria to the tournament’s final.
As part of the ongoing 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Lookman has already bagged two goals, the highest tally among his Nigerian teammates.
Following his nomination for the Ballon d’Or, in which he finished 14th, Lookman remains a strong contender for the African Men’s Footballer of the Year title.
Besides Lookman, the Globe Soccer Best Men’s Player nomination list includes names such as Manchester City’s trio Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Phil Foden, Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal and skilled midfielder Dani Olmo, as well as notable players like Viktor Gyökeres, Artem Dovbyk, Nicolò Barella, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Other major football talents in contention are Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Vinícius Júnior, Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo, Nico Williams, Vitinha, Harry Kane, Toni Kroos, Robert Lewandowski, Lautaro Martínez, and Antoine Griezmann.
