Troost-Ekong offers one-word tribute as Atalanta’s Lookman secures 14th place in Ballon d’Or rankings

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed his admiration for Ademola Lookman’s impressive Ballon d’Or ranking, sharing a simple but heartfelt reaction, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a gorgeous ceremony held in Paris, France, on Monday night, Atalanta forward Lookman was recognised as the 14th best player in the world this year.

The Nigerian winger was the only African player to receive a nomination this year and finished as the second-highest-ranked Serie A player, just behind Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

Though Lookman missed breaking into the top 10 — a feat only achieved by fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen last year — his 14th position highlights his remarkable form over the past season.

Troost-Ekong took to social media to voice his pride, quoting a post about Lookman’s achievement with a single word: “Proud.”

This simple message encapsulated the pride of both the player and Nigerian fans for Lookman’s accomplishment.

Both Troost-Ekong and Lookman have also been nominated for the CAF African Player of the Year award, with Lookman emerging as a top contender.

The forward’s standout performances were instrumental in Atalanta’s historic Europa League win, where he netted a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His overall contribution of 17 goals and 11 assists last season speaks volumes about his attacking brilliance.

For Nigeria, Lookman’s three goals were crucial to the Super Eagles’ run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where they finished as runners-up.

This season, Lookman continues to excel, already tallying five goals and three assists, with one of those goals scored for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri emerged as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the prestigious prize.