Atalanta star Lookman named best African Player of the Year 2024 | OneFootball

Atalanta and Nigeria striker Ademola Lookman has officially been named the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year after a remarkable year for club and country. ‘Four years ago, I failed in front of the world.’

The London-born wide forward had been the hot favourite, especially after becoming the first ever Atalanta player to be in the short-list for the Ballon d’Or award, finishing 14th.

Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Europa League Final, giving Atalanta the trophy against Bayer Leverkusen.

He was also named in the Europa League Team of the Year, contributing 27 goals and 12 assists between club and country in 2024.

epa11685824 Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates after scoring the 5-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona, in Bergamo, Italy, 26 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“I want to thank almighty God for everything that He’s been doing in my life He’s been blessing me with,” said Lookman from the stage.

“I want to thank the Presidents, all my teammates, club and country, for their support and the love that they give me.

“This award is for me, my family, my nation and to be recognise as the best player in Africa is something incredible. I am extremely proud.

“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa.

“I want to say to all the young children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly. God bless.”

This was a reference to the November 2020 incident where he attempted a Panenka-style chipped penalty for Fulham against West Ham United, wasting the chance to equalise in stoppages.

Lookman named African Player of the Year

Lookman follows in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won in 2023 thanks to his performances for Nigeria and Scudetto-winning Napoli.

The 27-year-old started out in the Charlton Athletic academy, moving on through Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City.

It was when he was sold to Atalanta in 2022 for €9.35m plus bonuses that he truly flourished, working with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.