“Ballon d’Or 2024: Ademola Lookman Takes 14th Place as Rodri Wins Prestigious Award.”

Ademola Lookman finished 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings during the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernández took home the top honor, as reported by The Punch.Lookman was the sole African nominee on the 30-player shortlist released by France Football on October 26, following his remarkable hat-trick that led Atalanta to its first Europa League title.

It’s a special achievement to be on the list, especially as the only African nominee,” Lookman shared with BBC Sport Africa. The 27-year-old had a standout season, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists in 31 Serie A matches, along with three goals that helped Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rodri topped the final rankings, followed by Kylian Mbappe in 6th, Lautaro Martinez in 7th, Lamine Yamal in 8th, Toni Kroos in 9th, and Harry Kane in 10th. Other noteworthy placements included Phil Foden in 11th, Florian Wirtz in 12th, and Dani Olmo in 13th.

In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was awarded the Ballon d’Or, while 17-year-old Lamine Yamal received the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.