Nigeria and Atalanta Forward, Ademola Lookman has won the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year Award held on Monday Night in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman wins the award ahead of PSG and Morocco’s Defender, Achraf Hakimi , Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy South Africa’s Ronwen Williams and Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra.
With this achievement, Lookman ensures the award remains in Nigeria for a second consecutive year following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. The Atalanta star, while receiving the award described the moment as “incredible” and expressed immense pride in the achievement.
The 27-year-old shared an inspiring message about resilience and overcoming setbacks: “Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Fast forward to today, and I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman said. “To the young children and youth watching, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into power, keep fighting, and continue to soar. God bless!”
Lookman’s win is a testament to his exceptional performances for both Nigeria and Atalanta. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, scoring decisive goals along the way.
His club career has been equally remarkable. Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic first European trophy win, scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May. His stunning display in that final is considered one of the best individual performances in a European tournament.
In October, Lookman’s excellence earned him the 14th spot in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest placement for an African player that year. He was also the only African footballer nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
This accolade solidifies Lookman’s status as one of Africa’s finest players and an inspiration to aspiring talents across the continent.
The Former Everton player retains the award to be in Nigeria as Victor Osimhen won the last edition in 2023.
