Ademola Lookman stood tall as he was crowned the CAF African Player of the Year, describing the honor as “an incredible achievement” and reflecting on the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs that shaped his rise to the top.
The 27-year-old edged out other top African footballers after a stellar 2023/24 season, where he led Atalanta to their first-ever European title, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in their 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Speaking in an emotional interview with CAF TV after receiving the prestigious award, Lookman expressed pride in joining the ranks of Africa’s football greats and acknowledged the significance of the moment.
“It’s an incredible achievement, an incredible moment, special to be able to join a list of many great players who have achieved a lot in the game—legends. So for me, tonight means a lot,” he said.
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While basking in the glory of his success, the Atalanta and Super Eagles forward offered a glimpse into the tough moments behind the scenes—the gym sessions he didn’t want to attend, the quiet struggles that tested his resolve, and the determination that saw him through.
“There are a lot of special moments that have happened this year. I can speak about those good things, but probably the bad moments—the moments where you don’t really want to do gym, but you end up doing that session anyway. And then the feeling after doing that session gives you a lot more strength,” Lookman revealed. “I’d probably say it’s those difficult moments that have given me that extra strength.”
Having overcome his share of challenges in football, Lookman turned the spotlight on the next generation of African talent, expressing hope that his journey would inspire young boys and girls to dream big.
“It’s not just me. We have a lot of talent, not just in the men’s game, but also in the women’s game. For us to be able to give motivation to the young kids who want to aspire to be like us—that’s the most important thing,” he said. “If we can set a good example, I’m sure they have good footsteps to walk into.”
In a heartfelt conclusion, Lookman paid tribute to those who stood by him in his darkest moments—the unseen supporters whose encouragement helped him persevere.
“I’m very appreciative of your love, your care, your kind words, and your time—not just in the good moments, but also in the bad moments. The people who support you and show their passion during those difficult moments, those are the people you’re most grateful to,” he said.
For Lookman, this award is more than just a personal accolade; it is a symbol of resilience, inspiration, and a testament to the potential within African football. His rise from struggles to triumph now serves as a blueprint for the next generation of stars ready to follow in his footsteps.
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