Ademola Lookman looks forward to achieving great things in his career as a professional footballer while the Ballon d’Or nominee is also hunting for greatness.
This year has been one of extraordinary milestones for Lookman with the Nigerian winger making headlines across Europe and Africa for both club, Atalanta and the Suoer Eagles.
He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists for Europa League winners, Atalanta last season despite spending time away at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
From his performances for Nigeria at AFCON 2023 to playing a pivotal role in helping Atalanta win their first European trophy, the 27-year-old’s star continues to rise. “It’s been remarkable,” Lookman told BBC Sport Africa.
“I have come on leaps and bounds and it’s been a defining year in terms of progress and the steps taken but this is just the start of hopefully something very special.”
Lookman’s progress has seen him listed as one of 30 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the winner of the award for the world’s top footballer to be announced in Paris on Monday.
Being the only African on the men’s shortlist added even more weight to his achievement. “It’s special being on the list and even more special being the only African,” he said.
“We have achieved great things this year, with club and country. To be recognised as one of the contenders is a great achievement.”
Lookman after such a wonderful calendar year is also firmly in the running for the African Player of the Year award on 16 December, 2024.
One of the defining moments of Lookman’s year came in the Europa League final, scoring a sensational hat-trick to lead Atalanta to victory against a Bayer Leverkusen side who were aiming for an unprecedented unbeaten treble.
His performance at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin showcased his skill, vision and composure under pressure, becoming the first player to score a treble in a European final since Jupp Heynckes did so for Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup.
“That night was special,” Lookman recalled. “The way we did it was incredible because Leverkusen were on fire that season. Those are the moments you wish and dream for.”
Despite his accomplishments in 2024, Lookman is not ready to rest on his laurels. “I’m anticipating the future because I’m looking forward to achieving great things,” he said.
“I’m never really satisfied. That’s always my mindset, let’s go for more. I’m just focused [to] keep on fighting for the things I want,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
Meanwhile, on to the most important task at hand, Lookman who is the overwhelming favorite to succeed reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen faces Hellas Verona on Saturday.
He will aim to stay unbeaten in five games versus Verona whom Atalanta host in a Serie A match at the Gewiss Stadium, having made one assist, secured three wins and one draw in four games against this weekend’s opponent.
