Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has thrown his support behind Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
Lookman, 26, enjoyed a phenomenal season with both club and country. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, while spearheading Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph in the 2023/2024 season. Notably, he etched his name in history by scoring the first-ever hat-trick in a Europa League final.
Gasperini’s unwavering faith in Lookman is evident in his pledge to vote for the Nigerian during the Ballon d’Or ballot. “My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman,” he stated, according to Tutto Atalanta. “His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League.” Gasperini has previously acknowledged his debt to Lookman, implying the attacker played a crucial role in his own career success.
The Europa League title holds immense significance for both Gasperini and the club. It marks Gasperini’s first major managerial trophy and Atalanta’s first European silverware. It also ends their trophy drought since their 1963 Coppa Italia triumph.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on October 28th at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Interestingly, George Weah of Liberia remains the only African footballer to win the Ballon d’Or, achieving the feat in 1995.
Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nomination, where he stands as the sole African representative, signifies his exceptional season. He is also considered the frontrunner for the CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
