Ademola Lookman’s journey to becoming the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year is one of resilience, grit, and redemption. The prestigious award, received in Marrakech, Morocco, marked a historic milestone in his career. Two months earlier, Lookman placed 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, capping a triumphant turnaround after enduring the low point of his professional life just four years ago.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lookman reflected on his journey: ‘Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. And fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa.’ His words resonated deeply, offering inspiration to anyone striving to overcome setbacks.
A career defined by failure and redemption
Lookman’s darkest moment came in November 2020 during an English Premier League match. Playing for Fulham against West Ham, Lookman had the chance to secure a vital point with a last-minute penalty. Instead of a straightforward strike, he opted for a cheeky ‘Panenka’, which disastrously failed. The backlash was immediate, and Fulham’s manager, Scott Parker, didn’t hide his disappointment, labelling the miss as both frustrating and avoidable.
Despite this failure, Parker made a bold prediction about Lookman’s resilience. ‘He’ll bounce back,’ Parker said, calling him an ‘unbelievable character and professional.’
The road to redemption
After Fulham’s relegation in the 2020/2021 season, Lookman’s career seemed to falter. Stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, and Leicester failed to produce the results many had anticipated when he first burst onto the scene in 2017.
However, Lookman’s fortunes changed in August 2022 when he joined Italy’s Atalanta. Under the club’s guidance, he rediscovered his form and confidence, culminating in a stellar performance in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final. On that historic night in Dublin, Lookman scored a hat-trick, leading Atalanta to a resounding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
This extraordinary performance cemented his place in football history as the first player to score three goals in a UEFA Europa League final.
A star on the rise
Lookman’s talents have long been evident. In 2017, he helped England’s U-20 team secure the FIFA U-20 World Cup, showcasing his knack for rising to big occasions. Switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, Lookman became an integral part of the Super Eagles, helping the team win silver at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and scoring three crucial goals during the tournament.
The significance of Lookman’s triumph
Lookman’s CAF award underscores the value of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. As Atalanta proudly noted, he is the first player in the club’s history to achieve such a significant international honour. Born in South London to Nigerian parents, Lookman’s choice to represent Nigeria has enriched African football and brought immense pride to the continent.
The award is a testament to Lookman’s ability to transform pain into power. From his penalty miss in 2020 to his crowning moment in 2024, his journey serves as a powerful narrative of redemption.
The path ahead
With his talent and discipline, Lookman’s future looks bright. His ability to adapt, coupled with his dexterity and vision, promises an illustrious career filled with more accolades. However, staying grounded will be key as offers from top clubs inevitably roll in.
Speaking on his triumph, Lookman delivered a heartfelt message: ‘I want all the young children and people watching not to let failures weigh them down… Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly.’
This inspiring message reflects the essence of Lookman’s career. He has shown that setbacks are not the end but rather a chance to rise stronger. His journey, filled with highs and lows, is a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes and dreamers worldwide.
As Africa celebrates Lookman’s achievement, his legacy is already being written—a story of resilience, brilliance, and the unyielding spirit of a true champion.
Credit: Africabriefing
