Ademola Lookman has achieved a significant milestone in his career by finishing 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings held in Paris, Monday night.
From the 30-player shortlist, the Atalanta star stood out as the only African representative on the night, proudly flying the flags of Nigeria, Africa, and his club.
This accomplishment marks another major highlight for Nigerian football, following Victor Osimhen’s 8th-place finish last year.
Lookman’s rise was fueled by a stellar season that saw him win the Europa League, where he netted a hat-trick in the final, and an impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria reach the final.
His 14th-place finish now ranks among the top five best performances by a Nigerian in the Ballon d’Or.
Ademola Lookman. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Here is a look at the top Nigerian finishes in the award’s history:
Top Nigerian Finishes in Ballon d’Or History
1. Victor Osimhen – 8th (2023)
Victor Osimhen became the highest-ranked Nigerian in Ballon d’Or history with an 8th-place finish in 2023.
Victor Osimhen with ballon d’or CAF Award 2023. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Napoli striker led the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years, scoring 31 goals and providing five assists during the campaign.
His phenomenal season also earned him the title of African Player of the Year.
2. Nwankwo Kanu – 11th (1996)
In 1996, Nwankwo Kanu finished 11th in the Ballon d’Or rankings following his breakthrough year.
Playing for Ajax at the time, Kanu showcased his talents on the global stage, most notably at the Atlanta Olympics, where Nigeria’s “Dream Team” won gold.
His heroics in the semi-final against Brazil, scoring the equalizer and extra-time winner, remain iconic moments in Nigerian football history.
3. Ademola Lookman – 14th (2024)
Lookman’s 14th-place finish in 2024 reflects a remarkable season for both club and country. At the AFCON, he scored three goals and provided one assist, guiding Nigeria to the final.
For Atalanta, Lookman played a pivotal role in their historic Europa League triumph, scoring a hat-trick in the final in Dublin.
4. Finidi George – 21st (1995)
Nwankwo Kanu (left) and Finidi George (right) of Ajax lift the cup up after the European Cup Final. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Finidi George had a stellar 1995 campaign with Ajax, contributing to their UEFA Champions League victory.
His performances during that period earned him 21st place in the Ballon d’Or rankings, with George Weah being the only African to finish higher that year, going on to win the award.
5. Nwankwo Kanu – 23rd (1999)
Kanu Nwankwo celebrates after scoring during a Premier League match for Arsenal. Photo | Getty Images
Kanu made the Ballon d’Or list again in 1999, finishing 23rd during his time with Arsenal.
Known as a “super-sub,” his impact off the bench was legendary, highlighted by his unforgettable 15-minute hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
That year, Kanu Nwankwo also won his second African Player of the Year award, cementing his place among the continent’s greats.
