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Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s star forward, ends 2024 on a high note after being named African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards. The Nigerian, born in 1997, claimed the coveted African Ballon d’Or thanks to a series of outstanding performances, highlighted by his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin. This marks Lookman’s first major individual accolade, achieved during his debut nomination for the award.
The race for the title was highly competitive, featuring top-tier players like Sehrou Guirassy, who netted 32 goals in as many games for Stuttgart and Dortmund, Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi (PSG), South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Simon Adingra, Brighton’s rising star and Africa Cup of Nations winner with Ivory Coast. Last year’s winner was another Nigerian, Victor Osimhen, underscoring the continued dominance of Nigerian players in Serie A.
A visibly emotional Lookman expressed his gratitude during the ceremony: “This award is a blessing for me, my family, and my country. I want to dedicate this honor to all the children who dream big. Never give up: with determination and hard work, you can achieve anything".
His words reflected pride in his remarkable journey: “Being named the best African player is incredible. My life has changed so much in just a few years. I will keep pushing myself to improve and make Nigeria proud".
