Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has made known his choice for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, Afrosport reports.
The 66-year-old Italian is backing Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to win the honours following his breathtaking performances from last season.
Lookman, who is the only African footballer nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, helped the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, to a second-placed finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he led the team with three goals and an assist.
The 26-year-old also starred for Atalanta in the 2023-24 season, leading the Bergamo-based club to triumph in the UEFA Europa League, where his hat-trick in the final not only ended Bayer Leverkusen’s record unbeaten streak but also helped his team clinch their first-ever European title.
Lookman’s hat-trick in the final was historic, as he became the first player to achieve such a milestone in the competition’s history.
Meanwhile, Gasperini, who in the past has said he owes his career to Lookman, says his Ballon d’Or vote will go to the Nigerian.
“My personal Ballon d’Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman… His magic skills helped us to win the Europa League,” he told Sky Sports as per Italian Tutto Atalanta.
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has backed Ademola Lookman to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, explaining why he will cast his vote for the Nigerian forward.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 45 games last season. He has also begun this campaign with three goals and three assists in seven matches across all competitions.
The former RB Leipzig and Fulham forward is also being tipped as the favourite to win this year’s CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
