Ademola Lookman Named 2024 African Footballer of the Year

Ademola Lookman claimed the 2024 African Footballer of the Year title at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh. Notably, the Atalanta forward beat Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams to win the award. Importantly, Lookman became the second consecutive Nigerian to win this honor, following Victor Osimhen’s 2023 triumph.

Moreover, Lookman, 27, enjoyed a standout year playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic European trophy win. Specifically, he scored a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen becoming the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975. On the international stage, Ademola Lookman earned a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Team of the Tournament after scoring three goals as Nigeria finished runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast in February.

In addition, he secured a spot on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, finishing 14th and maintained his stellar form this season by netting eight goals to help Atalanta lead the Serie A table. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the Women’s African Player of the Year award. Similarly, Banda, 24, earned the MVP title in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after leading Orlando Pride to their first title with 17 goals including the decisive winner in the championship final.

Furthermore, she excelled at the Paris Olympics scoring four goals including a hat-trick against Australia, and became Africa’s top Olympic scorer with 10 goals across two Games. Meanwhile, the glittering ceremony featured performances from African artists including Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz. Finally, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams shone as well, winning both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.