Ademola Lookman has etched his name among football’s luminaries, closing 2024 as an icon of achievement, resilience, and excellence. His journey this year has been a testament to an indomitable spirit, culminating in his recognition as the CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
The Nigerian forward’s year began with a bang and only soared higher, marked by an unprecedented feat in the UEFA Europa League final. Lookman’s hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen not only clinched the trophy for Atalanta but also made him the first African player to achieve such a milestone in a major European final. His exploits earned him Man of the Match and a coveted spot in the Europa League Team of the Season.
His 2023/24 season in Serie A was equally stellar, delivering 18 goal contributions and earning the title of Atalanta’s Player of the Season. A consistent match-winner, Lookman was honored with six Man of the Match awards in a span of just four months. His brilliance has continued into the current season, with 16 goal contributions across Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, proving his mettle as one of Europe’s most impactful players.
On the international front, Lookman’s heroics for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations added another layer to his legacy. Pivotal goals in the knockout stages propelled the Super Eagles to the final, earning him a well-deserved spot in the AFCON Team of the Tournament. His inclusion as the only African player in the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations, where he ranked 14th, further underscores his global stature.
From leading Atalanta to European glory to carrying Nigeria’s hopes on the continental stage, Ademola Lookman’s 2024 has been nothing short of historic.
