Lookman doubles up, bags yet another accolade to bolster CAF Player of the Year claim

Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman has cemented his place as an Atalanta cult hero by claiming the club's Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year.

The 26-year-old's electrifying performances were instrumental in the club's historic Europa League triumph, affirming his status as a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini's side.

The announcement came on Thursday, with the London-born forward edging out midfield stalwarts Éderson and Teun Koopmeiners, who finished second and third in the voting respectively.

Remarkable campaign for Ademola Lookman

Throughout the 2023/24 season, Lookman established himself as a pivotal element in Atalanta's attack. His consistent delivery in Serie A was, however, overshadowed by his dominant display on the biggest stage of all: the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

In a surprisingly one-sided contest, the Nigeria international single-handedly stole the show, bagging a sensational hat-trick.

His clinical finishing not only secured Atalanta's first-ever European trophy, but also ended Leverkusen's record-breaking unbeaten run in all competitions. This feat etched Lookman's name in the history books: he became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, and only the sixth player ever to achieve such a feat in a major UEFA competition final.

Lookman's impact transcended his heroics in the final, though.

He was a key figure for Gasperini throughout the campaign, contributing a remarkable 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His versatility and attacking threat proved crucial to Atalanta's success in both Serie A and the Europa League.

Lookman makes it two in a row

Ademola Lookman has written his name in the history books of Atalanta by claiming the club's Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year. This impressive feat highlights Lookman's consistency and significant contribution to the team's success.

During the 2022/2023 season, Lookman's attacking prowess shone through, as he notched a commendable 15 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions. This well-rounded performance proved too much for his competitors, solidifying his position as Atalanta's standout player.

In the just concluded season, he bettered his record by having 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.