Key Takeaways:
- Ademola Lookman has been named Africa’s Player of the Year for 2024, receiving the award at a ceremony in Marrakesh
- Lookman won the award ahead of Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams, who were the other top contenders
- The Atalanta forward played a key role in his team’s Europa League triumph, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen
- Lookman joins a long list of Nigerian footballers to have won the award, and was also the only African player to feature in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings
- Notable players such as Mohamed Salah and last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen, did not make the top five in the voting for the award
Ademola Lookman, the talented Nigerian forward, has been crowned Africa’s Player of the Year for 2024, in recognition of his outstanding performances on the pitch. The 27-year-old Atalanta player received his award at a ceremony in Marrakesh, capping off an impressive year that saw him play a key role in his team’s Europa League triumph. Lookman’s hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen was a highlight of the tournament, and his pace and skill on the wing have made him a standout player in European football.
Lookman’s win is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and he joins a long list of Nigerian footballers who have won the award in the past. His performances for the “Super Eagles” in the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and helped his team finish as runners-up, were also a key factor in his selection as Africa’s Player of the Year. Additionally, Lookman’s inclusion in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings, where he was the only African player and finished in 14th place, is a notable achievement and a recognition of his status.
The voting for the award was highly competitive, with other top contenders including Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams. However, Lookman’s impressive performances and achievements over the past year made him the standout candidate for the award. Notably, Mohamed Salah and last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen, did not make the top five in the voting, highlighting the strength and depth of African football talent. Lookman’s win is a well-deserved recognition of his talents, and he will look to continue his impressive form in the coming year.