BALLON D’OR 2024: Lookman 14th best, Rodri claims prize

At Monday's glitzy presentation at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Ademola Lookman won 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, while Rodri Hernández, a midfielder for Manchester City, took home the coveted award.

The Atalanta striker gained notoriety after his historic hat-trick that earned his team their first-ever Europa League victory. He was the sole African nominee on the 30-man shortlist that France Football issued on October 26.

"Being the only African on the list is even more special," Lookman said to BBC Sport Africa. Together with the club and the nation, we have accomplished a lot this year. It is a tremendous accomplishment to be acknowledged as one of the candidates.

During his stellar season, the 27-year-old helped Nigeria get to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final by scoring three goals and dishing out seven assists in 31 Serie A games.

Rodri was ranked first in the final rankings, followed by Kylian Mbappe in sixth place, Lautaro Martinez in seventh, Lamine Yamal in eighth place, Toni Kroos in ninth place, and Harry Kane in tenth place.
Florian Wirtz and Dani Olmo came in 12th and 13th, respectively, while Phil Foden came in 11th. Nico Williams (15th), Granit Xhaka (16th), Federico Valverde (17th), Emiliano Martinez (18th), Martin Odegaard (19th), and Hakan Calhanoglu (20th) were in the rear of Lookman in 14th place.

Bukayo Saka (ranked 21st), Antonio Rudiger (ranked 22nd), Ruben Dias (ranked 23rd), William Saliba (ranked 24th), Cole Palmer (ranked 25th), and Declan Rice (26th), Vitinha (27th), and Alejandro Grimaldo (28th), while Mats Hummels and Artem Dovbyk shared the 29th position.
Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona won the women's Ballon d'Or, and Lamine Yamal, 17, took home the Kopa Trophy for best young player. Jennifer Hermoso of Spain was honoured with the Socrates Award for her humanitarian efforts.

Emma Hayes (Women's Coach of the Year), Carlo Ancelotti (Men's Coach of the Year), Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe (co-winners of the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorers), and Emiliano Martinez (Yachine Trophy for best custodian) were among the other winners.

The men's and women's clubs of the year awards went to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.