Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is backing Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
Lookman is the only African player among the 30 contenders for the award, in recognition of his outstanding displays at Atalanta last season.
The Nigeria international scored a hat-trick in the final of the UEFA Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen to earn Atalanta their first-ever European title, capping an impressive season in which he scored 17 goals.
He was also in top form at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring three goals as the Super Eagles reached the final in February.
“My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League.”
Some of the top contenders for the award include Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Lookman has also been touted to succeed Victor Osimhen as African Player of the Year.
