Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles forward, has been shortlisted for the Forward of the Year award at the prestigious Gran Galà del Calcio.
This recognition is a testament to Lookman’s outstanding performance for Atalanta last season, which has propelled him to the forefront of Italian football.
At 27, Lookman’s talent has not only earned him a nomination but also a spot in the running for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
The Nigerian international will face stiff competition from top players like Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, as well as AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Lookman’s impressive season, particularly from April onwards, saw him rack up an astonishing 14 goal contributions, including eight goals and six assists. This feat surpassed any other player across Europe’s top five leagues, cementing his status as a key player.
His most memorable performance came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he made history by scoring a hat-trick.
This remarkable display not only secured a thrilling victory for Atalanta but also capped off a season in which Lookman recorded an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, showcasing his all-around attacking prowess.
This season, Lookman has continued to impress, already notching eight goals and five assists in just 14 appearances for Atalanta, solidifying his importance to the team.
His exceptional form has also caught the attention of the continent, earning him a spot among the final five nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
This elite group includes promising young talent Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, Guinea’s goal-scoring machine Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s skilled defender Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Gran Galà del Calcio awards, organized by the Italian Players’ Association, aim to celebrate and honor excellence across all levels of Italian football. The winners will be determined through a voting process conducted by association members, with the ceremony scheduled for December 2nd.
In addition to Lookman’s nomination, his club Atalanta is also in the running for the Serie A Club of the Year award, competing against powerhouses like Inter Milan and Juventus.
Furthermore, Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award, vying against Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Thiago Motta of Bologna/Juventus.
