Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the prestigious Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, held in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman’s victory comes after a stellar year where he showcased his exceptional skill, blistering pace, and clinical finishing for both his club and country. The Atalanta forward played a key role in his team’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, elevated him to the top of the African football scene. Lookman faced strong competition for the award, edging out Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams to claim the prestigious honor.
Notably, Lookman was ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, further cementing his status as one of the continent’s brightest talents.
In May, Lookman made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, as Atalanta triumphed 3-0 over Bayer Leverkusen, ending the Bundesliga champions’ remarkable 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and the fans who have supported him throughout his journey.
Other notable winners at the CAF Awards include:
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly FC (Egypt)
- Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (Congo)
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Msoudy (Morocco)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Cote d’Ivoire)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
- Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola)
