Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned African Player of The Year at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.
Lookman’s triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award and maintained Nigeria’s impressive record in the category following Victor Osimhen’s victory last year. Here is what you need to know about him
Age
Ademola Lookman was born to Nigerian parents on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London. He is 27 years old. Raised in a culturally rich household, Lookman embraced his Nigerian heritage, which continues to influence his identity and career.
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Career
Lookman’s football journey began on the pitches of Peckham. At age 11, he joined Waterloo FC’s youth academy, where he honed his skills for five years. His dedication and talent soon earned him a move to Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2013.
Lookman’s talent caught the attention of Everton, who signed him for £11 million in January 2017. He made an unforgettable debut, scoring the winning goal against Manchester City. However, consistent starting opportunities proved elusive during his time at Goodison Park.
After a successful loan spell, Lookman joined RB Leipzig permanently in 2019. Though his time in Germany was mixed, he contributed key moments, including a debut goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Loan stints with Fulham and Leicester City followed, showcasing his resilience despite inconsistent form.
Lookman began his international journey with England’s youth teams, including their 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup-winning squad. In 2020, he switched allegiance to Nigeria, making his Super Eagles debut in 2022. He played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
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Lookman’s Europa League final performance earned him a 10/10 rating from L’Équipe. This rare accolade places him in the company of legends like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Erling Haaland, highlighting his incredible skill and impact on the game.
Ademola Lookman’s journey from the local pitches of Peckham to the summit of African football is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience. As the 2024 African Player of the Year, he continues to inspire a generation of aspiring footballers across the continent.
Honours
- Atalanta
- UEFA Europa League: 2023–24
- England U20
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2017
- Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up: 2023
- Individual
- LFE Apprentice of the Year (Championship): 2015–16
- Atalanta Player of the Season: 2022–23, 2023–24
- Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2023
- UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2023–24
- 2024 African Player of the Year
- 2024 FIFPro African XI
- Order of the Niger (2024)
CAF Player of The Year
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned African Player of The Year. Lookman’s triumph made him the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award and maintained Nigeria’s impressive record in the category following Victor Osimhen’s victory last year. In November 2015, Lookman made his senior debut for Charlton Athletic. A month later, he scored his first professional goal against Brighton & Hove Albion. His standout performances quickly established him as a rising star in English football.
The Atalanta striker’s remarkable year included three goals and two assists as Nigeria reached their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final in February, while his hat-trick secured the UEFA Europa Cup for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in May.
The 26-year-old has continued his fine form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a notable strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
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Personal Life
Lookman is in a relationship with Jayda Love, an IT specialist from Dallas. Jayda graduated in 2021 with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
Net worth
Ademola Lookman earns £41,000 per week, with an annual salary of £2,132,000 for the 2023/24 season. His estimated net worth ranges between £7 million and £12.7 million, reflecting his rising star in the football world.