Ademola Lookman Named 2024 CAF African Player of the Year

Nigerian football sensation Ademola Lookman has been crowned the African Player of the Year at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. The prestigious honor was announced during a star-studded ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, which celebrated the finest achievements in African football.

The Atalanta forward had an exceptional year, showcasing his remarkable skill, speed, and finishing ability. Lookman played a pivotal role in his club’s impressive Serie A campaign and was crucial to Nigeria’s successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His standout performances in the UEFA Europa League, including decisive goals, further cemented his status as one of the continent’s brightest stars.

Lookman faced stiff 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. His achievements in 2024 included a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, where Atalanta triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten streak. This feat, coupled with his consistent brilliance in domestic competitions, earned him global recognition, including a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.

During his acceptance speech, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and fans who have supported him throughout his journey.

The CAF Awards also recognized other outstanding performers in African football. Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named Women’s Player of the Year, while Nigeria won Women’s National Team of the Year. Senegal’s Lamine Camara was awarded Men’s Young Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, and Morocco’s Doha El Madani received the Women’s Young Player of the Year honor.

Egypt’s Al Ahly FC claimed the Men’s Club of the Year title, with Congo’s TP Mazembe taking the Women’s Club of the Year award. South Africa’s Ronwen Williams and Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy were named Men’s and Women’s Interclub Players of the Year, respectively.

Other notable winners included Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Ronwen Williams as Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Emerse Faé of Côte d’Ivoire and Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe were recognized as the best Men’s and Women’s Coaches of the Year. Angola’s Cristóvão Mabulu won the Goal of the Year award for his spectacular strike.