Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has been crowned the African Player of the Year, claiming top honors at the 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.
This was announced at a glittering ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating the finest talents in African football.
Lookman was instrumental in both his club’s success in Serie A and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His standout performances, including crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistent brilliance in domestic competitions, solidified his position as one of Africa’s brightest stars.
Lookman edged out fierce competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award.Speaking at the event, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
The 27-year-old advised young people never to allow their past failures define their future.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman recalled.
“I want to say to the young children and young people watching this ‘don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight and continue to fly’, God bless!”
In October, Lookman was ranked number 14 in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, the most prestigious football award in the world. He was the only African player that made the award nomination list in 2024.
