Ademola Lookman has been hailed as the new King of African Football after winning the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award for 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The 27-year-old forward succeeds compatriot Victor Osimhen, marking a second consecutive year the honor goes to a Nigerian star.
Lookman’s remarkable year included standout performances for both club and country. He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three vital goals.
On the European stage, he delivered a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, guiding Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy and only the second major title in the club’s 117-year history.
The winger’s club form has been nothing short of sensational. During the 2023-24 season, he netted 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 45 appearances for Atalanta.
His red-hot start to the current campaign has seen him score 11 goals in 19 games, helping Atalanta top Serie A, two points clear of Napoli.
Former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro joined the chorus of praise for Lookman, celebrating his achievement on X (formerly Twitter):
“Congratulations @molalookman on winning the CAF Player of the Year 2024 award! A well-deserved recognition of your incredible talent and your significance to Nigeria and African football.
“It is also important to highlight the role of the Nigerian national team, whose collective efforts contributed to this individual award.
The back-to-back triumphs of Nigerian players in this category—first Osimhen and now Lookman—showcase the strength of our football. Many congratulations!”
Ademola Lookman’s rise to continental dominance cements his legacy as one of Africa’s finest talents, continuing Nigeria’s proud tradition in global football.