Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, a recognition of his exceptional performances for both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team. The prestigious award was presented during a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating Africa’s finest football talents.
Lookman’s stellar season was marked by his remarkable skill, pace, and clinical finishing. The 27-year-old forward made history in May, becoming the first player to score a hat trick in a UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run. His efforts earned Atalanta their first-ever European trophy and only the second major title in their 117-year history. Domestically, Lookman recorded 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions during the 2023-24 season and has carried his form into the current campaign, scoring 11 times in 19 games to keep Atalanta at the top of Serie A.
On the international stage, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals during the tournament as the Super Eagles reached the final, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast. In October, his incredible form also earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and fans. Reflecting on his career revival, he encouraged others to persevere, saying, “Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
The women’s accolade went to Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who was instrumental in leading Orlando Pride to the NWSL Championship. Banda scored in every stage of the playoffs, including the winning goal in the final against Washington Spirit. She also claimed the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in November, capping an extraordinary season. Banda’s victory ended Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala’s dominance, as the Bay FC star had won the award five times in six years.
Other winners at the CAF Awards included Nigeria’s women’s national team, named Women’s National Team of the Year, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was crowned Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Lamine Camara of Senegal and Doha El Madani of Morocco won Men’s and Women’s Young Player of the Year, respectively. Al Ahly FC (Egypt) and TP Mazembe (Congo) were honored as the Men’s and Women’s Clubs of the Year.
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