CAF Awards, Ademola Lookman crowned African Ballon d’Or

The CAF Awards 2024 ceremony took place this Monday in Marrakech, Morocco. Several distinctions were planned, including the long-awaited African Ballon d’Or. A prize which went to the Nigerian Ademola Lookman.

Ademola Lookman adjudicates African Ballon d’Or

Ademola Lookman is the best African player of the year. In the running with Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Ronwen Williams (South Africa) and Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), the Nigerian was acclaimed by voters after his exceptional year 2024. Finalist of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations postponed to 2024 with Nigeria, Ademola Lookman was exceptional with Atalanta Bergamo. With 17 goals and 9 assists, the Super Eagles winger notably allowed the Italian club to win the Europa League with his hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This season, the former Leicester striker already has 11 goals and 5 assists in 18 games in all competitions with Atalanta Bergamo.

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Ademola Lookman’s success is deserved, especially since he is the only African player to be nominated for the France Football Ballon d’Or this year where he finished 14^e in the ranking. Often hampered by injuries in recent seasons, the ex-Leipzig player can’t believe he touched the holy grail this year. “I want to thank everyone for their support and the love they have given me. I thank my family and my nation who recognized me as the best player in Africa. It’s incredible for me, I’m proud of it,” declared the Nigerian on stage at the Movenpick Palais des Congrès in Marrakech on Monday. As a reminder, Ademola Lookman succeeds his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, winner in 2023, on the African Ballon d’Or list.