Ademola Lookman, an Italian striker who was born in Nigeria, has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) made this announcement both on their official YouTube page and during the Monday night award ceremony. Five athletes from the men’s and women’s teams are competing this year for the title of 2024’s top African football star.
Mohamed Salah, the 2022 winner, and Victor Osimhen, the previous year’s winner, were left off of the final shortlist.
The nominees are:
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG)
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast / Brighton)
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund), and
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta).
However, the African continent’s top-performing player, Ademola Lukman, was chosen. The Nigerian Super Falcons were named the Women’s Football Team of the Year by CAF, and another Nigerian, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was named the Africa Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Additionally, Lookman was ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings in October. The Ballon d’Or organizer made this announcement in Paris, France. The Serie A player for Atalanta, a Nigerian international, was nominated for the coveted prize for the first time. The 27-year-old forward gained international attention for his exceptional performances.
Lookman has been acknowledged as one of the best football players this season after making outstanding performances for both club and nation, BrandSpur entertainment and lifestyle news reports.
