Ademola Lookman Makes a Lasting Impression in 2024 Ballon d’Or Rankings
In a remarkable achievement, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has secured a top-15 finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, amassing a total of 82 points.
This outstanding performance is a testament to Lookman’s exceptional skills and the widespread recognition he’s received from journalists across the globe. The voting process, which involved a diverse group of journalists from FIFA’s top 100 ranked nations, highlights Lookman’s remarkable talent.
Lookman received an impressive amount of support, particularly from his home country of Nigeria, where respected sports journalist Sam Audu gave him the maximum possible points, ranking him first on his ballot.
The voting system employed a structured point allocation method, where journalists were tasked with selecting their top ten players. Points were awarded based on their rankings, with the player chosen first receiving 15 points, second place receiving 12, and so on, down to one point for the tenth place. This comprehensive system showcases the competitive nature of the Ballon d’Or voting.
Interestingly, despite his impressive performances, Lookman did not receive any votes from Italy, where he currently plays for Atalanta. Sky Sports Paolo Condo, the designated Italian voter, failed to include Lookman in his list, which raised eyebrows given the player’s significant contributions to his club.
Nonetheless, Lookman’s reputation as a talented forward was firmly established across the African continent. Notably, the Ivory Coast recognized him with a fifth-place ranking, while Ghana placed him eighth and Mali honored him with a ninth-place vote.
His performances resonated with many nations, as Burkina Faso, Zambia, Senegal, Uganda, and South Africa all awarded him points by placing him in their top ten selections. Several countries, including Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, also showed significant support, both placing Lookman in seventh position.
In Europe, Greece stood out as his strongest supporter, with the country ranking him second overall — a remarkable accolade, marking his highest position from any European nation. North Macedonia and Ireland also acknowledged his talents, positioning him eighth in their selections. Moreover, Portugal recognized his impressive performances with a seventh-place vote.
Beyond Europe and Africa, Lookman’s influence reached the Caribbean and the Middle East, with Trinidad and Tobago placing him tenth and the United Arab Emirates ranking him seventh. This diverse backing from various countries further illustrates Lookman’s global appeal and the widespread admiration for his football skills.
