On Monday night, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman etched his name into African football history, claiming the prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award at the star-studded 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman, 27, emerged as the continent’s standout player after a stellar year for both his Italian club Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
His win marks a rare and historic back-to-back victory for Nigeria, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023.
This is the first consecutive Nigerian domination of the award since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997), nearly three decades ago.
The glittering ceremony, led by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, was a celebration of African football’s remarkable rise. The event brought together legends, dignitaries, and football enthusiasts to honor players whose performances have shaped the game across the continent and beyond.
Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman was born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London, to Nigerian parents.
Lookman’s academic brilliance matched his football potential—he attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, where he achieved three A’s and five A’s at GCSE level.
His roots and upbringing reflect a unique combination of discipline and raw talent, which have shaped his professional journey.
Lookman’s football career began in earnest when he joined Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014 from Waterloo, a grassroots football club in Lambeth.
Leipzig’s tactical style suited him, and he continued to gain experience, but he returned to England for loan stints at Fulham (2020/21) and Leicester City (2021/22), showcasing his pace, creativity, and ability to adapt.
Lookman’s journey to the pinnacle of African football has been nothing short of inspirational. Signed by Atalanta in August 2022 for €15 million, the versatile forward has been a critical force for the Serie A side.
Over the years, his earnings have steadily risen from his early days at Charlton Athletic and Everton to his time with RB Leipzig and now Atalanta.
Lookman’s triumph is not Nigeria’s only success story of the evening. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, was also recognized, clinching the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
From Wandsworth to Atalanta, Ademola Lookman’s story continues to inspire. Nigeria — and the entire continent — celebrates its new football king.