The 2024 FIFPRO World XI shortlist has once again reignited debates over merit-based recognition, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo earning places despite underwhelming seasons relative to their lofty reputations.
For Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, whose exceptional performances stood out both domestically and internationally, his exclusion feels particularly unjust.
Lookman’s 2023/24 campaign was one of individual brilliance and collective influence. Leading Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory, Lookman delivered a season-defining hat-trick in the final against undefeated Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen. His goal tally in the competition was five goals and also an assist.
Domestically, the 26-year-old notched 11 goals and 8 assists across 31 appearances, consistently proving his value in Serie A. On the international stage, he played a pivotal role in Nigeria's run to the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three goals and earning a place in the tournament’s Best XI.
Additionally, Lookman finished 14th in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings, far surpassing Messi and Ronaldo, who didn’t even make the list.
The FIFPRO XI nomination is voted on exclusively by professional players, with over 21,000 men’s footballers from 70 countries casting their votes for standout performers between 21 August 2023 and 14 July 2024. Despite such a rigorous voting process, Lookman’s stellar contributions were overlooked, sparking debates about how voting favors legacy over performance.
The Messi and Ronaldo debate: A legacy choice?
While Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami revitalized interest in Major League Soccer, his 2024 season doesn’t compare to Lookman’s achievements. The Argentine forward managed 17 goals in 18 MLS matches, helping Inter Miami reach the top of the Eastern Conference.
However, Messi missed almost half of his club’s league fixtures due to injuries and international commitments, with Miami performing admirably in his absence.
Though Messi contributed to Argentina’s Copa América triumph, his overall influence during the eligibility period pales next to Lookman’s dominance in Europe and Africa.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed an exceptional season statistically, with 35 goals and 11 assists in the Saudi Pro League, alongside six goals in the AFC Champions League.
However, his Al-Nassr side ended the season trophyless, casting a shadow over his individual accolades.
On the international stage, Ronaldo’s Euro 2024 campaign with Portugal was disappointing, failing to register a single goal as his team crashed out prematurely.
A case for Lookman: Re-evaluating the nomination criteria
In contrast to Messi and Ronaldo, Lookman’s contributions came in competitions with higher stakes and quality. His performances directly influenced Atalanta’s Europa League success, while his consistent displays ensured Nigeria’s deep run at AFCON.
For a player to thrive across multiple fronts and still be overlooked feels like a disservice to the integrity of the awards.
FIFPRO’s decision to include Messi and Ronaldo, two players with immense historical significance but less impact during the eligibility period, highlights the recurring challenge of balancing legacy with contemporary performance.
Lookman’s exclusion may well be a reflection of this broader issue, where established names often overshadow emerging stars, irrespective of form.
The FIFPRO XI is determined through votes from professional players, making it a unique recognition of peer acknowledgment. However, the persistent inclusion of Messi and Ronaldo raises questions about whether players vote based on reputation rather than recent impact.
While this snub may sting, Ademola Lookman’s trajectory continues to rise. With consistent performances at the highest level and a growing reputation as one of the world’s finest players, his time in the FIFPRO XI may only be a matter of when, not if.
