Ademola Lookman wins the 2024 AFCON Men’s Player of the Year!
Winning on his first nomination, the striker lifted the coveted award in Marrakech
The celebrations of the CAF Awards 2024 saw Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman being conferred with the Men’s Player of the Year award (more commonly referred to as the "African Ballon d'Or") by the Confédération Africaine de Football (Confederation of African Football) during the course of the event and following prize-giving ceremony held in Marrakech.
Mola lifted the award on his first nomination.
After being awarded 14th place in the 2024 France Football Ballon d'Or's ranking earlier in October, Lookman is also the first-ever Atalanta player to have lifted such an outstanding individual International award.
During his acceptance speech, the Nerazzurri striker and Nigeria representative wished to acknowledge everyone who supported and stood by him every step of the journey: "Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years I am the best player in Africa. I want to say to the young children and people watching this: don't let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings, but in fact, turn your pain into your power and continue to fly".
Kudos Ademola! So proud of you!