BALLON D’OR 2024: Lookman Emerges 14th Best, Rodri Claims Prize

Ademola Lookman secured 14th position in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings at Monday’s glamorous ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, as Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernández claimed the prestigious prize.

The Atalanta striker, who was the only African nominee among the 30-man shortlist released by France Football on October 26, earned recognition following his historic hat-trick that secured his club’s first-ever Europa League trophy.

“It’s special being on the list and even more special being the only African,” Lookman told BBC Sport Africa. “We have achieved great things this year, with club and country. To be recognised as one of the contenders is a great achievement.”

The 27-year-old’s impressive season saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games, while also scoring three goals to help Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The final rankings saw Rodri claim the top spot, followed by Kylian Mbappe (sixth), Lautaro Martinez (seventh), Lamine Yamal (eighth), Toni Kroos (ninth), and Harry Kane completing the top 10.

Phil Foden finished 11th, while Florian Wirtz and Dani Olmo placed 12th and 13th, respectively. Behind Lookman in 14th were Nico Williams (15th), Granit Xhaka (16th), Federico Valverde (17th), Emiliano Martinez (18th), Martin Odegaard (19th), and Hakan Calhanoglu (20th).

The remaining positions were filled by Bukayo Saka (21st), Antonio Rudiger (22nd), Ruben Dias (23rd), William Saliba (24th), Cole Palmer (25th), Declan Rice (26th), Vitinha (27th), and Alejandro Grimaldo (28th), while Mats Hummels and Artem Dovbyk shared the 29th position.

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s Ballon d’Or, while 17-year-old Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player. Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso received the Socrates Award for humanitarian work.

Other winners included Emiliano Martinez (Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper), Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe (joint winners of the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorers), Emma Hayes (Women’s Coach of the Year), and Carlo Ancelotti (Men’s Coach of the Year).

Real Madrid and Barcelona were named men’s and women’s clubs of the year, respectively.