Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman has been crowned 2024 CAF men’s ‘Player of the Year.’
The 27-year-old was announced the winner of the gong at the gala held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.
The Atalanta star won the prize ahead of Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Lookman has had a fantastic year, being the first player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League/UEFA Cup final since 1975, scoring three goals in 26 minutes against Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman was named to the Europa League Team of the Year, and he helped La Dea score 18 top-flight goals this season.
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.
It would be recalled in October that Lookman ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
In May, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, dramatically halting the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
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:
is the Women’s Player of the Year – Zambia
The Men’s Young Player of the Year, for the second year in a row, is – Senegal.
The Women’s Young Player of the Year is – Morocco.
The Men’s Club of the Year is – Egypt.
The Women’s Club of the Year is TP Mazembe – Congo
The Men’s Interclub Player of the Year is – South Africa
The Women’s Interclub Player of the Year is – Morocco
The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year is Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria
The Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year is Ronwen Williams
The Men’s Coach of the Year is – Cote d’Ivoire
The Women’s Coach of the Year is – TP Mazembe
The Goal of the Year is Cristovao – Angola
