Atalanta has celebrated the historic nomination of Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“Lookman is the first-ever Atalanta player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. Well done, Ademola,” the Serie A club wrote in a statement on its X account on Wednesday night.
The club also published a report on its official website, lauding both Lookman and manager, Gian Piero Gasperini for their nominations.
“Two nominations for two very prestigious awards that are historic and unprecedented in the sporting history of Atalanta,” La Dea wrote.
“Ademola Lookman is among the 30 players in the running to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“Mister Gian Piero Gasperini instead is among the six candidates for the award for best coach of the year together with Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Luis De La Fuente, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Scaloni.
“For Atalanta which extends its heartfelt compliments to Ademola and mister Gasperini, this is yet another (and this time double) recognition in its growth path.”
The award ceremony for both prizes will take place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on October 28, 2024.
The Super Eagles attacking sensation is the only African player on the list which was revealed on Wednesday.
Lookman was exceptional last season as he scored 17 goals and made 10 assists in 45 games in all competitions, scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final versus Bayer Leverkusen.
He joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in a €9.3m deal in 2022 and has scored 32 goals in 79 games including the legendary hat-trick against Leverkusen in the 2023-24 Europa League final.
