Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman has been honored as the African Player of the Year at the esteemed 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.

This accolade was revealed during a glamorous ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, which celebrated the exceptional talents within African football.

The Atalanta forward enjoyed a remarkable year, captivating audiences with his extraordinary skills, remarkable speed, and precise finishing.

Lookman played a pivotal role in his club's achievements in Serie A and Nigeria's successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His impressive performances, which included vital goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistent excellence in domestic matches, established him as one of Africa's most promising talents.


He triumphed over strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to secure this prestigious award.

Lookman also achieved a notable 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

In May, he made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, which ended the Bundesliga champions' impressive 51-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

During his speech at the ceremony, Lookman dedicated this honor to his teammates, family, and the fans who have consistently supported him throughout his journey.

Below is the full list of winners at the 2024 CAF Award:

Men

Player of the Year

Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year

Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year

Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year

Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year

Ivory Coast

Club of the Year

Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1

Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women

Player of the Year

Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year

Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year

Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year

Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year

Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year

Nigeria

Club of the Year

TP Mazembe

Best XI

Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW).