Nigerian football stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been named among the 30 finalists for the 2024 International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) Men’s World Best Player award.
These two talented players are the only African representatives on the prestigious list, further highlighting their exceptional performances over the past year.
Lookman, who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Atalanta, has had a standout season that culminated in a historic triumph for his team.
The 26-year-old winger was instrumental in leading Atalanta to their first major trophy since 1963, with a remarkable hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final.
His performances throughout the year have not only earned him a spot on the IFFHS shortlist but also made him the sole African nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award.
This recognition further cements Lookman’s rise in European football and underscores his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
His contributions to Atalanta’s success have placed him among the elite players in world football.On the other hand, Victor Osimhen’s presence on the IFFHS World Best Player shortlist comes as no surprise to many, considering his continued upward trajectory in world football.
The 25-year-old striker was a key figure in Napoli’s Serie A-winning campaign last season, where his goalscoring prowess played a pivotal role in ending the club’s 33-year wait for a league title.
His impressive tally of 26 goals in the league not only secured him the Serie A Golden Boot but also earned him the title of Best Striker in Italy.
Despite his move on loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray this season, Osimhen continues to showcase his remarkable talents on the pitch, further solidifying his status as one of the best strikers in world football.
Last year, he finished 8th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, and his inclusion in the IFFHS top 30 reaffirms his growing influence on the global stage.
The 2024 IFFHS World Best Player award shortlist is stacked with talent, including reigning winner Erling Haaland, who is aiming to defend his crown after his record-breaking season with Manchester City.
Haaland’s incredible form last year, which saw him score 52 goals and help Manchester City win the treble, made him a favorite for many of the sport’s top accolades.
This year, the Norwegian striker remains a strong contender and is expected to be one of the frontrunners for the award.In addition to Haaland, several other footballing giants have made the IFFHS shortlist.
Real Madrid dominates the nominations, with seven players named, including stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior.
The trio has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success in both domestic and international competitions, further establishing their status as some of the best players in the world.
Barcelona’s prodigious talent, Lamine Yamal, also made the list, showcasing the depth of young talent in Spain.Germany’s Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich and Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri are also among the nominees, along with other standout players from Europe’s top clubs.
Bayern Munich has three players in the mix, while Manchester City and Arsenal each have four, reflecting the strong representation of clubs that have excelled in recent seasons.
The IFFHS World Best Player award is widely regarded as one of football’s most prestigious accolades.
It recognizes the best-performing players across the globe each year, based on their contributions at both club and international levels. With such a star-studded list of nominees, this year’s award promises to be highly competitive.
While many eyes will be on Haaland to see if he can retain his title, players like Lookman and Osimhen will be looking to make history as African players competing at the highest level of world football.
The winner of the 2024 IFFHS World Best Player award will be announced later this year, and the footballing world will be watching closely to see who emerges victorious from this star-studded field.
