Ademola Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, claiming the prize for 2024 after a standout year for both club and country.
The Atalanta forward received the trophy at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night, during a ceremony at the Palais des Congrès that brought together some of African football’s brightest stars.
The 27-year-old follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023. They are the first back-to-back Nigerian winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
“It is an incredible achievement and an incredible moment,” Lookman said. “It is special to join a list of many great players who have achieved a lot in the game. They are legends.”
“There are a lot of special moments this year that I could talk about. But also the bad moments, like when you don’t want to do gym work, but you push through, and that gives you more strength. The difficult moments have given me that extra strength.”
Lookman also emphasized the importance of setting a positive example for younger players.
“For us to be able to inspire young kids who want to be like us is the most important thing,” he said. “If we can set a good example, they have good footsteps to follow.”
He thanked his fans for their unwavering support, especially during challenging times.
“I am very appreciative of your love, care, and kind words during the bad moments as well, not just the good ones. The people who show you love in the difficult moments are the ones you are most grateful to.”
Lookman has been in exceptional form in 2024, helping Atalanta emerge as Serie A title contenders and leading the team to a UEFA Europa League trophy—its first major silverware in 61 years. He scored a hat-trick in the final, as Atalanta became the only team in the 2023-24 season to defeat German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The forward’s performance in the final was hailed as one of the greatest in European football history.
Lookman also played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where they lost to the hosts. His three goals and overall performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
