Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has thrown his full weight behind Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, in the race for this year’s Ballon d’Or. The only African nominee this year, Lookman, won over Gasperini with an amazing overall season performance capped by the successful Europa League campaign.
Lookman’s stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen sealed Atalanta’s first-ever European title and made headlines across the globe. It was a night that put him into the annals of football history and, more importantly, probably made him one of the most exciting talents on the face of the earth.
For Gasperini, this feat itself qualifies him for the Ballon d’Or. “My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman.” He said while hailing the consistency of Lookman, who always contributed and changed games for the club.
Having the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or announced on October 28, Lookman has his work cut out for him competing against some of the biggest names in football.
