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Ademola Lookman represents Africa at Ballon d’Or ceremony

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Ademola Lookman Ballon d'Or nomination

Ademola Lookman heads to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris as Africa’s sole representative, celebrating a remarkable year in football.

 

 

Nigeria and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is set to represent Africa at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris today, marking a significant milestone in his career as the continent’s sole nominee for the award.

The 27-year-old arrives at the event in excellent form, having recently contributed to Atalanta’s impressive 6-1 victory, scoring twice and providing two assists before being substituted in the 56th minute.

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Also read: UEFA Super Cup: Atalanta ready for Real Madrid test – Lookman

 

“It’s special being on the list and even more special being the only African,” Lookman told BBC Sport Africa. “We have achieved great things this year, with club and country. To be recognised as one of the contenders is a great achievement.”

Lookman’s nomination is a testament to his remarkable year, during which he made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975.

His stellar performance led Atalanta to their first-ever Europa League title against Bayer Leverkusen. Reflecting on that memorable night, he said, “That night was special.

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The way we did it was incredible because Leverkusen were on fire that season. Those are the moments you wish and dream for.”

Since joining Atalanta in August 2022, Lookman has thrived under coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking philosophy, showcasing his adaptability in a new football culture.

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“Coming out of my comfort zone is never easy, but I’m open to that idea of learning and wanting to be better – not just as a player, but as a person also,” he explained.

In addition to his Ballon d’Or nomination, Lookman is the frontrunner for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, competing against fellow Nigerian William Troost-Ekong and eight other nominees. His standout performances have cemented his place among the elite in African football.

Despite his individual accolades, Lookman remains committed to collective success, particularly with the Nigerian national team. His contributions were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 AFCON final, where they finished as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast.

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“I’m anticipating the future because I’m looking forward to achieving great things,” he stated. “I’m never really satisfied. That’s always my mindset – let’s go for more.”

As Lookman prepares to take the stage at the Ballon d’Or, he carries with him the hopes of a continent eager for representation at the highest levels of football.

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Ruben Amorim accepts Manchester United role amid urgent call for restoration

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Ruben Amorim Manchester United appointment

Ruben Amorim has accepted the managerial position at Manchester United, tasked with restoring the club’s former glory after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

 

 

Ruben Amorim, the current coach of Sporting Lisbon, has officially accepted the managerial role at Manchester United, prompted by a pressing offer to restore the club’s status in both English and European football.

Following the sacking of Erik ten Hag after a lacklustre start to the season, the 39-year-old Amorim quickly emerged as a leading candidate for the job.

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Also read: Manchester United in talks with Ruben Amorim following Ten Hag’s dismissal

 

He has signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027, with his start date set for 11 November.

In his first public comments regarding his appointment, Amorim described the decision-making process as a whirlwind.

“The only question I asked was to go at the end of the season,” he explained after leading Sporting to a commanding 5-1 victory over Estrela in the Portuguese league.

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“But I was told it was now or never. I had three days to make the decision. That’s what I did. If I rejected it now, in six months I would not have got it. I didn’t want to regret making this decision.”

Interestingly, Amorim revealed he had received offers from other clubs, one of which was reportedly “three times” the salary he would earn at United.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue in his interim role until Amorim takes the helm, with United praising him as “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”

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Amorim is set to oversee Sporting’s upcoming fixtures, including a crucial Champions League match against Manchester City, before officially beginning his tenure at United.

The appointment comes as United struggles in the Premier League, currently sitting 14th after a disappointing season that has seen them secure only three wins from nine matches.

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Their recent 2-1 defeat to West Ham prompted the club’s decision to part ways with Ten Hag, who had previously led the team to a League Cup and FA Cup victory.

Amorim’s experience in reviving Sporting, where he secured the club’s first league title in 19 years in his first full season, positions him as a beacon of hope for United fans.

He has been noted as one of the rising stars in European coaching, previously linked to other high-profile managerial roles, including Liverpool’s.

Amorim’s arrival is anticipated to bring a much-needed change in direction for a club that has not seen significant success since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Former United striker Van Nistelrooy expressed his motivation to help turn the season around while preparing the team for a challenging fixture against Chelsea.

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Meanwhile, Ten Hag thanked United fans in his farewell statement, expressing his desire to bring trophies to the club and wishing them future success.

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Real Madrid and Villarreal matches postponed due to deadly floods in Spain

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Real Madrid Valencia match postponed floods

La Liga matches involving Real Madrid and Villarreal have been postponed due to severe flooding in eastern Spain, which has claimed over 95 lives.

 

 

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed Real Madrid’s La Liga away match against Valencia and Villarreal’s home game against Rayo Vallecano due to devastating floods in eastern Spain, which have tragically claimed the lives of over 95 people.

La Liga, in cooperation with the RFEF, also postponed three second-division matches involving teams from the affected region.

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Also read: UEFA Super Cup: Atalanta ready for Real Madrid test – Lookman

 

The severe flash floods prompted widespread disruptions, leading the RFEF to suspend both professional and non-professional matches, including indoor football competitions, in the Valencia area.

Additionally, several Copa del Rey matches, including Valencia’s fixture against Parla Escuela, were previously postponed as a precaution.

To honour the victims, a moment of silence will be observed across all La Liga games this weekend, including Barcelona’s Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.

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West Ham United pursues Ademola Lookman as key signing from Atalanta

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West Ham United Ademola Lookman transfer

West Ham United aims to secure Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, facing competition from Manchester United, Arsenal, and PSG for the star forward.

 

 

West Ham United is at the forefront of the race to secure the signature of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

The Hammers are eager to outmanoeuvre Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in their pursuit of the talented winger.

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Also read: Ademola Lookman represents Africa at Ballon d’Or ceremony

 

As reported by Theheute, the London club has identified Lookman, a 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee, as a critical target to enhance Julen Lopetegui’s attacking options after a challenging start to the season.

Lookman enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign with Atalanta, netting 17 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions. Notably, he scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading the Italian side to their first European trophy.

The 27-year-old’s stellar performances this season have earned him a respectable 14th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, placing him ahead of notable Premier League players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Cole Palmer.

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Having transitioned from a winger to a striker in Italy, Lookman has demonstrated his versatility and goal-scoring ability, making him an appealing option for West Ham.

Despite being contracted to Atalanta until 2026, Lookman could be available for approximately €25 million, as reports from Italy suggest he is seeking a new challenge and may leave the Serie A club during the January transfer window.

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This season, Lookman has continued to showcase his form, registering five goals and five assists in just 10 appearances.

He is viewed by West Ham as an ideal addition to their attack, which currently includes Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paquetá.

The Hammers are keen to strengthen their offensive lineup, especially with the ageing Michail Antonio and summer signing Niclas Füllkrug struggling to make an impact.

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