Super Eagles star to battle Argentina and Portugal forwards for GGDC award

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has earned a nomination for the prestigious Forward of the Year award at the Gran Galà del Calcio, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Atalanta forward is set to compete against Frenchman Marcus Thuram and Argentina ace Lautaro Martinez both of Inter Milan, as well as AC Milan and Portugal’s Rafael Leao.

Lookman, 27, is also a finalist for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

His multiple recognition comes after a sensational season where he emerged as one of Europe’s most productive attackers, contributing 14 goals (eight goals and six assists) in the final stages of the season — the highest across Europe’s top five leagues from April onwards.

The highlight of Lookman’s campaign was his UEFA Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, capping a season where he scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions.

His prolific form has carried into the current season, with eight goals and five assists in 14 appearances for Atalanta.

The Gran Galà del Calcio, organised by the Italian Players’ Association, honours the finest talents in Italian football. Winners are decided by votes from association members, with the 2024 ceremony slated for December 2.

Atalanta’s achievements extend beyond Lookman, with the club vying for Serie A Club of the Year, while manager Gian Piero Gasperini is shortlisted for Coach of the Year.

Lookman’s rise to prominence has been remarkable, starting at Charlton Athletic and progressing through stints at Everton, Fulham, Leicester City, and RB Leipzig. His move to Atalanta in 2022 has seen him cement his place among Serie A’s elite forwards.