Ademola Lookman, a player for Atalanta BC, recently made headlines after scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. His coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, praised him for making history and achieving such a significant milestone in his career. Lookman expressed his pride at being the only African nominee for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
Scoring three goals in a crucial match and winning a European medal was a dream come true for Lookman. He emphasized the hard work and dedication it took to reach this point in his career. Gasperini’s words of encouragement and recognition meant a lot to the young player, who has been named Atalanta’s player of the month.
Lookman’s exceptional performance in the Europa League final and his consistent form throughout the year earned him a spot on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. He spoke about the surreal feeling of seeing his name among the top 30 players in the world and the pride he felt as the only African player on the list. Representing Nigeria on such a prestigious stage was a significant honor for Lookman, who shared his deep connection to the country despite growing up in London.
Reflecting on his journey from playing youth football for England to choosing to represent Nigeria, Lookman acknowledged the strong influence of his Nigerian heritage and community. He described the vibrant Nigerian community in London and the special memories he holds from his time there. Despite his success on the European stage, Lookman’s decision to play for Nigeria was a heartfelt choice based on his personal connection to the country.
Lookman’s story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of following one’s heart in pursuing a dream. As he prepares for the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, the young footballer remains focused on his journey and the pride he feels in representing Nigeria on a global stage. His message to aspiring athletes is clear: success may not come easy, but with perseverance and determination, anything is possible.