Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been recognized for his outstanding performances, earning a nomination in the Forward of the Year category at the prestigious Gran Galà del Calcio awards.
Lookman’s stellar form with Atalanta last season cemented his reputation as one of Italian football’s brightest stars. At just 27, he has also secured a spot among the final contenders for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
The competition for the Gran Galà award is fierce, with Lookman going head-to-head against top talents like Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, as well as AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. However, Lookman’s incredible run last season gives him a strong claim to the accolade.
From April onward, Lookman proved to be Europe’s most productive attacker during the latter part of the 2023/24 season. With eight goals and six assists, his 14 goal contributions outshone players across Europe’s top five leagues. His ability to change the course of a game with his creativity and precision made him a key player for Atalanta.
One of his most memorable moments came in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he delivered a stunning hat-trick to secure a historic victory for Atalanta. By the end of the season, Lookman had an impressive record of 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, highlighting his all-around attacking prowess.
This season, Lookman has continued his brilliant form, already recording eight goals and five assists in just 14 appearances. His consistency and impact have made him indispensable to his team.
On the continental stage, Lookman stands among the final five nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. The shortlist includes Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, Guinea’s prolific Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s skilled Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The Gran Galà del Calcio awards, organized by the Italian Players’ Association, celebrate excellence in Italian football. Winners are chosen through a vote by association members, with the ceremony set for December 2.
In addition to Lookman’s individual recognition, Atalanta has been nominated for Serie A Club of the Year, competing against giants Inter Milan and Juventus. Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, is also a contender for Coach of the Year, facing competition from Simone Inzaghi of Inter Milan and Thiago Motta of Bologna.
Ademola Lookman’s rise continues to inspire, reflecting his dedication, talent, and impact on both the club and international stages.
