Attending the Ballon d'Or was a fun time for 14th-ranked Lookman, who may move to West Ham

Attending the Ballon d'Or was a fun time for 14th-ranked Lookman, who may move to West Ham

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman could not help but laugh at the crazed shouts of the photographers on the red carpet before the start of the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening.

The Nigeria star, who scored a historic hat-trick during Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final back in May, finished in 14th place in the final Ballon d’Or rankings.

He decided to attend the ceremony and was asked to pose in front of photographers on the red carpet.

After standing still for a few moments, the 26-year-old could not help but burst into laughter after hearing some of the crazy shouts from the photographers trying to get his attention.

Lookman is one of five Serie A players who were nominated for the 2024 prize. He finished as the second-highest Serie A player in the final rankings, behind Lautaro Martinez of Inter, but ahead of Hakan Calhanoglu and Roma pair Artem Dovbyk and Mats Hummels.

Lookman wrote himself into footballing history when he netted a phenomenal hat-trick in the Europa League final back in May to inflict the first defeat of the season upon the then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.

In doing so, he became one of only four players to ever score a hat-trick in a major European final, and the only player ever to do so in a Europa League final.

Lookman was also a key player in the Nigeria squad that made it all the way to the Africa Cup of Nations final at the start of the calendar year, although the Super Eagles were eventually pipped by hosts Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, Lookman could replace Niclas Fullkrug at West Ham United. The German international arrived at the London Stadium with big expectations.

However, due to an Achilles tendon problem, he has played just three times in the Premier League this season.

The Hammers have had to revert to playing Michail Antonio and Danny Ings up front. Both players are now in their thirties, and West Ham are looking for another striker.

According to GiveMeSport, "West Ham United are interested in Atalanta winger Lookman, and have held internal discussions about the possibility of signing the player."

Lookman is from London and came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic. He went on to play for Everton, Fulham and Leicester in the Premier League. He also had a spell at RB Leipzig but has rejuvenated his career in Italy at Atalanta.

At Atalanta, Lookman has scored 37 goals so far, with 23 assists in 88 games. He also netted a hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final. Lookman has also been nominated for the Ballon d'Or as he also helped Nigeria make it to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.