Ademola Lookman has been named the CAF Men’s Player of the Year after a sensational 12 months with Atalanta in Serie A and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The prestigious award, presented during the star-studded 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, cements Lookman’s status as one of Africa’s footballing elite.
The 27-year-old forward follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, making it the second consecutive year that a Nigerian has claimed the title.
A Season to Remember
Lookman’s outstanding contributions both at the club and international levels made him the standout choice for the honor. At Atalanta, he delivered a remarkable performance, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, helping the Italian side lift the trophy.
For Nigeria, Lookman was instrumental in their Africa Cup of Nations campaign earlier this year, scoring three goals and playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the final.
Recognition and Gratitude
Speaking at the awards ceremony, an emotional Lookman said:
> “When the stars align, they spell Ademola Lookman. I’m deeply honored to represent my country and my club on this stage.”
The glittering ceremony in Marrakech brought together football royalty from across the continent and beyond, celebrating the incredible growth of African football in recent years.
Other Big Winners of the Night
The 2024 CAF Awards honored Africa’s best performers across various categories:
Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)
Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Celebrating African Football’s Growth
The CAF Awards highlighted the incredible strides made in both men’s and women’s football on the continent. It was an evening of glitz and glamour, showcasing Africa’s finest talents and celebrating their contributions to the beautiful game.
Ademola Lookman’s triumph symbolizes the growing prominence of Nigerian and African football on the global stage. With this honor, he not only adds his name to an illustrious list of winners but also inspires a new generation of footballers across the continent.
