PUNCH
Nigerian star, Ademola Lookman has been named the African Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.
The announcement was made during a glittering ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating the finest talents in African football.
The Atalanta forward had a sensational year, dazzling fans with his incredible skill, blistering pace, and clinical finishing.
Lookman was instrumental in both his club’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, solidified his position as one of Africa’s brightest stars.
Lookman edged out fierce competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award.
PUNCH Online reported in October that Lookman ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings. https://punchng.com/just-in-ademola-lookman-ranks-14th-in-ballon-dor/#google_vignette
In May, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, dramatically halting the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions. https://punchng.com/lookmans-historic-hat-trick-fires-atalanta-to-europa-triumph-over-leverkusen/
Speaking at the event, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
Other award winners include:
𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year – Zambia
The Women’s National Team of the Year is 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.
The Men’s Young Player of the Year, for the second year in a row, is 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 – Senegal.
The Women’s Young Player of the Year is 𝐃𝐨𝐡𝐚 𝐄𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐢 – Morocco.
The Men’s Club of the Year is 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐂 – Egypt.
