Ademola Lookman wins 2024 CAF African Player of the Year

Nigerian and Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman has been named the African Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.

Lookman joined the list of football superstars to have won the award at a glittering ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating the finest talents in African football.

The Atalanta forward had a sensational year, dazzling fans with his incredible skill, blistering pace, and clinical finishing. His achievements for the year in review saw him dethrone fellow national teammate, Victor Osimhen.

Ademola Lookman poses for photos at the Red Carpet prior to the 68th Ballon D’Or Ceremony. (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Lookman edged out fierce competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award.

Undoubtedly one of the best wingers in world football, Lookman was instrumental in both his club’s success in Serie A and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His standout performances, including crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistent brilliance in domestic competitions, solidified his position as one of Africa’s brightest stars.

Lookman ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.

In May, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, dramatically halting the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions.