Ademola Lookman Crowned 2024 CAF African Player of the Year in Marrakech

Nigerian football sensation, Ademola Lookman, has been named the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, cementing his place among the greatest talents in African football. The prestigious award was presented during an electrifying ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, 2024.

Lookman’s Exceptional Year of Brilliance

The Atalanta forward delivered a phenomenal year for both club and country. Known for his explosive pace, dazzling footwork, and clinical finishing, Lookman’s performances have been pivotal in Atalanta’s success in Serie A and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Lookman’s crowning moment came in the 2024 UEFA Europa League Final, where he made history by scoring a hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This ended the Bundesliga champions’ stunning 51-match unbeaten run and marked a career-defining achievement.

His consistent brilliance throughout the season also saw him rank 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, further showcasing his growing global reputation.

Overcoming Fierce Competition

To clinch the coveted title, Lookman triumphed over an elite field of African stars, including:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG)
• Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
• Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

Speaking after receiving the award, Lookman expressed gratitude, saying:

“I dedicate this award to my teammates, my family, and the incredible fans who have stood by me throughout my journey.”

Other Major CAF Award Winners

The ceremony celebrated several outstanding contributors to African football:

• Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda – Zambia
• Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
• Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara – Senegal (2nd consecutive year)
• 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 Mssoudy – 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

Lookman’s Rise to the Top

From his early days as a promising talent to becoming Africa’s best player, Ademola Lookman’s journey is an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent. His stellar performances in both domestic and continental competitions have not only elevated his career but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in African football.