Former Charlton attacker Ademola Lookman shortlisted for 2024 Ballon d’Or
South London’s Ademola Lookman has been shortlisted for the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or.
The accolade – one of the most prestigious in world football – also has the likes of Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Lamine Yamal in contention.
Attacker Lookman was superb for Italian side Atalanta as they won the Europa League last season, scoring his first senior hat-trick as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen.
The 26-year-old was plucked out of Sunday league football with Waterloo FC in 2013 by Charlton Athletic.
The Addicks went on to sell Lookman to Everton four years later.
Lookman was born in Wandsworth and attended school in Peckham.
He has also won international recognition with Nigeria and was in their squad when they finished runners up in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023. Lookman had previously been capped by England at U20 level, winning that age group’s World Cup in 2017.
The Ballon d’Or recognises the best players in the world and is based over the course of a season and not the calendar year. The ceremony to announce the winner takes place on October 28.
PICTURE: PA