Winner (among others) of the Europa League with Atalanta last May against Bayer Leverkusen – the final in which he scored a hat-trick – Ademola Lookman was named “African player of the year” in front of a crowd of VIP at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Nigerian striker, who succeeds his compatriot Victor Osimhen, said:iron“to win such a trophy:
“First of all, I would like to thank God Almighty for everything I have achieved in my life and for everything He has given me. I would like to thank the president, my club and national team teammates for the support they have given met”, declared the one who notably passed through RB Leipzig.
“This award is a blessing for me, my family, my nation. To be recognized as the best player in Africa is something incredible that I am extremely proud of.“
Banda, first
Among the women, Barbra Banda was elected “African player of the year”. The Zambian striker particularly shone in the United States, winning the championship with her team Orlando Pride, notably scoring the decisive goal in the final against the Washington Spirit. Lots of emotion in Banda’s voice when receiving this individual title:
“Let me take this opportunity to thank God, because things have not been easy for me. If I have come this far, it is thanks to God. I would like to thank my coaches, my club and national team teammates, the president of the federation, my mother as well as all the people who support me in all areas“, declared the one who scored 57 goals in 63 caps with Zambia.
Barbra Banda, for whom this is the first trophy for best player, succeeds the Nigerian Asisat Oshoala.
Ivory Coast well present
Other awards include Ronwen Williams’ double victory. The South African goalkeeper was voted “goalkeeper of the year”, but also best player playing on the African continent.
This year 2024, which was marked by CAN 2023, saw the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire named “men’s national team of the year”, while coach Emerse Faé, the man who made the Ivorian miracle possible , left with the “coach of the year” trophy.
Al Ahly men’s section and TP Mazembe women’s section, which won the Champions League, were named “team of the year”.
Finally, Morocco – or rather Moroccan women – is not left out since Lamia Boumehdi, the coach of TP Mazembe, won the title of coach of the year; Sanaa Mssoudy was named best player on the African continent, while Doha El Madani, her AS FAR teammate, was named best young player. Without forgetting Bouchra Karboubi, who was elected female referee of the year.