The London-based New African magazine on Friday released its highly anticipated annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.
The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world over the past year.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been included on the prestigious list alongside Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; Group CEO of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu; banking mogul Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; and the beautiful, sultry-voiced singer and songwriter Ayra Starr.
Lookman, resplendent in traditional dress, was rightfully crowned African Player of the Year on December 16.
The Nigeria international took a while to ascend to the pinnacle of African football, plying his trade at five clubs before landing at Atalanta in 2022.
During his time in Italy he has become a consistent goalscorer, a feat that had eluded him in the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
Of his English clubs, he spent the longest time at Everton and while their fans remember him fondly, only scored once in 36 league appearances.
For the 2023-24 season, a respectable 11 goals in 31 Serie A outings helped Atalanta finish fourth, but it was in the Europa League where he really made his mark with five strikes in 11 games.
When the Italian side lined up for the final against German rivals Bayer Leverkusen, they were not expected to triumph – their opponents had not lost a game for the entire season.
But 90 minutes later, the Wandsworth-born striker had hit his maiden career hat-trick to deliver Atalanta’s first major trophy in 61 years.
This term he has already formed a lethal partnership with Mateo Retegui in the Italian’s first season at the club, which as well as having the pair in the hunt for top goalscorer honours, means fans of the Bergamo-based side are dreaming of a first- ever Serie A title.
Lookman also netted six times for Nigeria, including three at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished runners-up.