Ademola Lookman has expressed his happiness after winning the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
Lookman was crowned the best player in Africa at an elaborate ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night.
The 27-year-old contributed 27 goals and 12 assists between club and country in 2024.
The Nigeria international scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, giving Atalanta the trophy against Bayer Leverkusen.
He was also named in the Europa League Team of the Year.
“I want to thank almighty God for everything that He’s been doing in my life He’s been blessing me with,” said Lookman from the stage.
Read Also:BREAKING: Lookman Wins 2024 CAF Player Of The Year Award
“I want to thank the Presidents, all my teammates, club and country, for their support and the love that they give me.
“This award is for me, my family, my nation and to be recognise as the best player in Africa is something incredible. I am extremely proud.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa.
“I want to say to all the young children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly. God bless.”
By Adeboye Amosu
8 Comments
Congratulations Ademola Lookman… the ancestors battle hard on this one for you. We are mighty proud…
Congratulations bro! As a Nigerian, I strongly believe that you will be of good behaviour out there as a role model and public figure and you will use this award to redeem us from the shame and embarrassment that osimhen brought on it throughout his reign….
Drench in green can only be NIGERIA to the World. Im so proud for being a Nigerian. Good luck my man.
My boy is looking good in that agbada. Proud of you lad!
Lookman, keep on looking.
Turn your pain into your power. Woooooooooow!
One thing I love about this lad is his humility. Quiet, hardworking. When the SE camp opens, you hardly hear anything from him. He just goes about his business, and at the same time gets along with everyone. I’m yet to hear of any player or staff who dislikes him.
And when accepting the award, he remembered to thank Almighty God. Good lad!
Very much so @Pompei.
I think because of his reserved disposition and stature in size, people may initially underrate him.
Its clear, he just loves his football, is humble, god fearing and so devastatingly effective when he’s on, it has been a shock to some people that he is become such a bundle of productivity.
Particularly after many had written him off, with the undeserved perception that he was an average player in the EPL.
I think what we are seeing here is culmination of lot of factors. His maturation as a person on and off the field and consistent playing time in a system, at Atalanta that is very direct and attacking, allowing him to properly utilise his intelligence and movement.
His pride playing for and love from Nigeria, that allows him to bring his club form to the SE.
He also, especially when he smiles, is a very photogenic gentleman which helps to disarm even the most cynical, of any scepticism, that you may have of him.
He then, just gets on with his business in the most respectful of ways.
I watched his interaction with Ronwen Williams and Hakimi, whilst seated together waiting for the announcement, they all are reached out to him immediately in a gesture of respect and congratulations when his name was called.
It was heart warming to see
Well put, Ifeanyi.
The lad just needs to stay grounded and keep working hard. As a professional, he needs to keep seeking to improve his craft. Who knows, it might be the Ballon D’or in his grasp next time. Impossible is nothing.
Thanks @Pompei
Without a doubt that will be his next challenge, how to keep grounded.
Obviously its all down to him, but thus far it’s clear the process, he has adopted over the last few years as worked to elevate his performances for club and country to a level, where he is now, a globally recognized footballing superstar.
As you eloquently stated, if he can maintain his professionalism and continue to improve his craft, it may yet yield the ultimate accolade of Ballon D’or.
This gentleman has the potential to have a prolific career with the longevity of a Ronaldo, Modric etc.
He is currently nearing 300 professional games, and by the end of the current season may be on 100 career goals and 40+ assists.
If he remains injury free he could go down has one of the Super Eagles greats.
Obviously for all this to transpire, the SE need to win a Afcon with him,
and qualify for a World Cup finals, getting to at least the round of 16.
My only concern for him, is how fends off, all those who want access to him. He is now somebody that everybody wants to be seen with.
For someone who likes his privacy and was able to focus on his football
in quiet Bergamo….
If he does leave Atalanta soon, to the bright lights of Paris, or distractions of London etc
Also, when dons the GWG for SE back in Nigeria, there will be all those SM content creators, that will want access to him and invites to events.
I could be wrong, but in my view, this would be all very distracting
I just want him to keep disciplined, continue learning and be the best he can be…Lets see