Ademola Lookman Crowned African Player of the Year at CAF Awards

Our reporter

At the prestigious 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was named the African Player of the Year, capping off an extraordinary year on the pitch.

The ceremony, which celebrated the continent’s top football talent, highlighted Lookman’s stunning performances for both club and country.

 

The Atalanta striker enjoyed a remarkable 2024, with his electrifying pace, sharp finishing, and key contributions to his team’s success making him a standout figure. Lookman’s efforts were pivotal in securing Atalanta’s strong position in Serie A, and his decisive role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations further cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s premier footballers.

 

His performance on the international stage was marked by his memorable goals in the UEFA Europa League, where he helped Atalanta lift the trophy, including a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This incredible feat not only ended Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak but also ensured Lookman’s place among Africa’s elite players.

 

The award was highly contested, with Lookman edging out other nominees such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams. Lookman’s victory adds to his growing list of accolades, including his 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings.

 

In his acceptance speech, Lookman humbly credited his teammates, family, and the unwavering support of his fans, attributing his success to their constant encouragement.

 

Other notable winners at the CAF Awards included:

- Women’s Player of the Year: Barbara Banda (Zambia)

- Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

- Men’s Young Player of the Year (for the second consecutive 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: Emersé Faé (Côte d'Ivoire)

- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamiya Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

- Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola)

 

The awards ceremony not only celebrated the excellence of African footballers but also highlighted the rising stars and influential figures who are shaping the future of the sport across the continent.