Ademola Lookman, the 27-year-old Nigerian forward, was named the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year in a prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, triumphed over tough competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award.
Speaking after the ceremony, Lookman’s father expressed immense pride in his son’s achievement, attributing his success to his hardwork and dedication.
“I am proud of him as a father because he is a very committed player. He is very humble, and he does not like too much publicity because he really wants to focus on his football. And that is what has taken him to this level,” he said in an interview with journalist Calister Enejele.
A Historic Achievement
Lookman dazzled the audience during the ceremony when he delivered his acceptance speech in his mother tongue, Yoruba, earning admiration from attendees and viewers worldwide. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, presented the award to the England-born Nigerian, who wore an elegant African outfit, proudly representing his roots.
Reflecting on his journey, Lookman credited his success to hard work and his unwavering passion for football.
“This award means everything to me. It’s a testament to the sacrifices, dedication, and love for the game. I share this moment with my family, teammates, and every fan who has supported me,” he said.
A Remarkable Year for Lookman
The year 2024 will go down as one of the best in Lookman’s career, as he delivered stellar performances for both club and country. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (played in early 2024), he was Nigeria’s standout star, scoring three crucial goals and providing an assist. His efforts guided the Super Eagles to the final, where they remained unbeaten until losing narrowly to hosts Ivory Coast.
Despite the disappointment of the AFCON final, Lookman bounced back brilliantly at the club level. He made history in the UEFA Europa League final, scoring a sensational hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His feat made him the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, further cementing his legacy.
Also Read:
- Real Madrid Allegedly Regrets Signing Kylian Mbappé, Calls it a ‘Big Mistake
- Napoli Struggles Without Osimhen, Conte Hints at Possible Return
The Role of Family Values
Lookman’s father highlighted the values that have shaped his son’s career, emphasizing humility and focus. “He has always been dedicated to football from a young age. What makes him different is his calm demeanor and his willingness to learn and grow,” he added.
The victory not only celebrates Lookman’s exceptional talent but also inspires young footballers across Africa. His story of hard work, discipline, and respect for his heritage resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
A Rising Star on the Global Stage
As Lookman looks ahead, his achievements in 2024 position him as one of Africa’s brightest stars in football. With his determination and skill, he continues to set an example for aspiring players.
“This is just the beginning,” Lookman said during the ceremony. “There is so much more to achieve, and I will keep giving my best for my club, my country, and the beautiful game.”
The ceremony in Marrakech was not just a celebration of individual talent but a reminder of the rich footballing heritage Africa continues to contribute to the global stage. For Lookman, this award marks the pinnacle of a remarkable year, one that will be remembered for years to come.