Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman believes Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
Yamal has drawn attention with impressive displays for Spain, earning him the UEFA European Championship Young Player of the Tournament award, and his goal was voted the tournament’s best.
At just 17, winger Yamal’s rapid rise continued as he won the Kopa Trophy and placed eighth in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
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Notably, he finished above retired Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, who came in ninth, and England’s Harry Kane, a joint winner of the Gerd Muller Trophy.
Lookman’s picks
Speaking to DAZN at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who placed 14th, praised Yamal and predicted he could win the award in the future.
Lookman, the only Nigerian nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, also believes Brazilian star Neymar deserved to win the award during his time in Europe, despite never receiving it.
The 27-year-old attacker’s nomination came after a standout year with impressive displays for both his club and Nigeria.
He scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final and added three goals and an assist at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria reach the final.
