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The Italian gaffer believes Ademola Lookman has done enough to win the Ballon d'Or this year
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has heaped high praise on Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, suggesting he could achieve the same heights as legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the Ballon d’Or award this year.
Lookman, who has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is the only African player on the prestigious 30-man shortlist following a remarkable season with Atalanta and Nigeria.
Lookman receives Ballon d’Or nod after stellar campaign
The Nigerian forward’s 2023/24 season was nothing short of spectacular, as the 26-year-old played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
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For Atalanta, his contributions were crucial as the club finished in Serie A's top four, securing UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming season.
Lookman capped off his year with a historic performance in the Europa League final, netting a hat-trick in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player in the competition’s history to do so.
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It marked the club's first-ever European trophy, and Lookman’s magic on the field earned him widespread acclaim.
Gasperini’s tips Lookman for Ballon d’Or
Despite his stunning performances, Lookman is not considered a favorite for this year's Ballon d’Or, where top players like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and Manchester City’s Rodri are expected to dominate.
Nevertheless, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini believes Lookman deserves serious recognition, particularly for his heroics in the Europa League.
“My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman,” Gasperini said, adding, “His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League.”
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While Lookman may not be the frontrunner for football’s top individual prize, he is a leading contender for the Africa Footballer of the Year award, and is expected to become the second Nigerian in succession to win the accolade following Victor Osimhen’s triumph last season.
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