Ademola Lookman was crowned 2024 African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards in Morocco. The 27-year-old forward, who helped Atalanta win their first European trophy and led the Super Eagles to the AFCON final, reflects on his journey from setbacks to triumph.
Ademola Lookman, the newly crowned African Player of the Year, expressed immense pride after receiving the prestigious award at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. The 27-year-old forward, who plays for Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to football in Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman shared his gratitude, saying, "This award is a blessing to me, my family, and my nation. To be recognized as the best player in Africa is something incredible, and I am extremely proud." The forward reflected on his challenging journey, recalling how just four years ago, he faced setbacks that seemed insurmountable. He encouraged young people to persevere, stating, “Don’t let your failures weigh you down. Turn your pain into power and continue to fight.”
Lookman, who helped Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy last season, was pivotal in their Europa League victory, scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final. His performances also played a significant role in the Super Eagles' successful AFCON campaign earlier this year.
The award ceremony saw him beat strong contenders such as South Africa’s Ronwen Williams and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Lookman’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, showing that resilience can turn setbacks into triumphs.
