Football/ Ademola Lookman Crowned 2024 African Footballer of the Year
Ademola Lookman’s outstanding season reached a new peak on Monday as the Atalanta forward was named 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the CAF Awards in Marrakesh.
The 27-year-old Nigerian edged out rivals including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra to claim the continent’s most prestigious individual prize.
This marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian player has won the award, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023.
Lookman’s performances over the past year made him a clear frontrunner. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph, scoring a sensational hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen—becoming only the sixth player to net a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman shone at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring three goals as Nigeria finished runners-up to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the tournament’s Best XI.
Lookman’s rise has been equally impressive domestically. He remains pivotal for Atalanta in Serie A, scoring eight goals this season to keep them in contention for the title.
His inclusion as the only African player on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he placed 14th, further underscores his impact.
From his early struggles in England to becoming one of Africa’s footballing greats, Ademola Lookman’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and hard work. His triumph brings pride to Nigeria and the entire continent.
