Why my Ballon d’Or vote will go to Lookman – Atalanta coach

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said his vote for the 2024 Ballon d’Or will go to his Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman.

Lookman made the 30-man shortlist for this year’s award billed for October 28.

He is the only African who made the cut after his impressive performance last season where he scored 17 goals, and had 10 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions.

The high point for Lookman last season was his hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen which Atalanta won 3-0.

He contributed five goals in 11 games to help Atalanta claim a first-ever European title.

Lookman, however, will have to contend with the likes of Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Rodri for the award.

Speaking on the award, Gasperini told Sky why his vote will go to Lookman.

“My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman. His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lookman has started the new season on a good note, scoring two goals, and two assists in four league games for Gasperini’s side. In the UEFA Champions League, he has one goal, and one assist in two games.

On Friday, Lookman featured for the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier against Libya in Uyo which was decided by a late Fisayo Dele-Bashiru goal.

He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet as his goal was ruled out for offside but television replays showed he was actually onside.