Published: December 17, 2024
Atalanta and Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has been named African Footballer of the Year, beating stiff competition from Morocco’s revered right-back Achraf Hakimi.
Lookman becomes the second consecutive Nigerian to claim the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023.
The award ceremony, held in Marrakech, Morocco, also saw Africa Cup of Nations winner Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast and Brighton winger), Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams among the nominees.
The 27-year-old Lookman emerged as the favorite to win the award for the first time in his career after an outstanding 2023-24 season. He played a pivotal role in helping Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy, delivering a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This feat made him the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman was named in the Team of the Tournament at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. He scored three goals as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up to the hosts in February.
The former Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City player also achieved recognition as the only African on this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, finishing in 14th place.
Lookman has continued his fine form this season, scoring eight goals in Serie A to help Atalanta top the table, further cementing his place as one of Africa’s finest football talents.
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