Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the prestigious CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The 27-year-old Atalanta forward clinched the award after an extraordinary year that saw him shine in both club and international competitions.
Lookman’s performances during the 2023/24 season stood out as he played a key role in Atalanta’s triumph in the UEFA Europa League. His hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen made him the first player since 1975 to score a treble in a European club final. Atalanta’s victory marked their first-ever European trophy and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive 51-match unbeaten streak.
On the international stage, Lookman was pivotal in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He scored three goals, earning him a place in the Team of the Tournament as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up to the host nation.
Lookman also made history as the only African footballer on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he placed 14th.
