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Ademola Lookman: Being Africa's only Ballon d'Or nominee 'special'

Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman is Africa's only Ballon d'Or nominee.

He is amongst 30 players named on the initial shortlist, including the likes of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, plus Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rodri.

It is the first time since 2003 that neither eight-time winner Lionel Messi nor five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo feature on the shortlist.

The men's award is voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men's rankings.

Photo: Atalanta's Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman celebrates with the trophy after winning during the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

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