Ademola Lookman Crowned African Footballer of the Year at Prestigious CAF Awards
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during its glittering awards ceremony held today – Monday, December 16, 2024.
The accolade crowns a phenomenal season for the 27-year-old forward, whose stellar performances for both club and country captured the admiration of football enthusiasts across the continent.
Lookman’s crowning achievement came in May when he scored a hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s victory in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.
Earlier in the year, he played a pivotal role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring three crucial goals during the tournament.
The London-born forward, who began his professional career in the English Premier League with stints at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, has been a revelation since joining Italian Serie A side Atalanta in 2022. He netted an impressive 17 goals last season and has already added 11 more this campaign, cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lookman expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey:
“This award is a blessing. To be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible. Four years ago, my career felt like it was falling apart, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
Lookman edged out fierce competition to claim the coveted title, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The award was decided by a voting panel comprising national team coaches and captains, although voting details were not disclosed.
Lookman becomes the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award, succeeding compatriot Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner.
Other Nigerian legends to have claimed the honour include Nwankwo Kanu (twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.
In the women’s category, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.
The 24-year-old delivered a remarkable season, scoring the winning goal for Orlando Pride in the NWSL Championship final against Kansas City, after her team topped the regular season standings.
Complete List of CAF Award Winners
Men
Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)
Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)
Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)
Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (CIV)
National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast
Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)
Best XI: André Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessié (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR).
Women
Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)
Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (MAR)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)
Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)
Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (COD)
National Team of the Year: Nigeria
Club of the Year: TP Mazembe
Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW).
The CAF Awards 2024 celebrated Africa’s finest footballing talents, honouring their incredible achievements and contributions to the beautiful game.
