Atalanta Celebrates Ademola Lookman's CAF Player of the Year (POTY) Award, As He Scores In The 3-2 WIN Over Empoli.

There was a celebratory atmosphere ahead of Atalanta’s match with Empoli on Sunday, as Ademola Lookman showed off his African Player of the Year (POTY) award to the jubilant crowd at the Gewiss Stadium who all cheered and celebrated with him.

As always, the Bergamo boys were wearing special edition jerseys for the final game before Christmas, which will then be auctioned off to raise funds for a local children’s hospital.

Last Monday, the Nigerian Super Eagles star was named Africa’s Best Player for 2024 in the ceremony at Marrakesh, Morocco after a remarkable performance for both club and country in the year.

Lookman made history by beating players like Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, and Achraf Hakimi to win the prestigious award.

The winger became the sixth Nigerian to win the CAF award, joining legends like Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Osimhen.

Atalanta’s official social media account shared a picture of Lookman with the caption:

“Ladies and gentlemen, here is the African Ballon d’Or 2024 The CAF Men’s Player of the Year is back in town .”

Lookman took a picture with the club president while holding his award on the pitch, and also the manager Gian Piero Gasperini who was was named Serie A Coach of the Month.

Lookman further crowned the celebration by scoring a goal during the game, helping his club Atalanta to a fightback and secure a 3-2 victory. 

After being rested during Atalanta’s midweek 6-1 Coppa Italia win over Cesena, Lookman returned to the starting lineup with vigour.

The 27-year-old struck on the stroke of half-time as Atalanta turned the game around after going down 1-0 to the 11-placed visitors early in the encounter thanks to 13th minute goal by Lorenzo Colombo.

The host gradually crawed back into the game as Charles De Ketelaere equalised in the 34th minute with a composed finish.

Atalanta further took the lead as Zaniolo nodded down De Ketelaere’s cross from the left for Lookman to take a touch and fire in from a tricky angle to make it 2-1.

Empoli pulled level in the second half through a Samuele Esposito penalty, making it 2-2 in the 55th minute.

African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman was on target again for Atalanta 🎯#AtalantaEmpoli pic.twitter.com/MeyVB0JzD1

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 23, 2024 

As the game crept towards a disappointing draw that would have still sent Atalanta back top on goal difference, Lookman was substituted in the 70th minute for Lazar Samardzic, his performance was undeniable.

But Atalanta finally secured the hard-fought three points with a goal from Belgian midfielder De Ketelaere in the 86th minute to complete his brace.

De Ketelaere’s second goal was Atalanta’s 124th in all competitions in 2024, breaking the club’s record for goals in a calendar year—a milestone that dates back to 1929-30.

 

Atalanta are currently on a club record run of 11 consecutive league victories.

The Bergamo-based side restored their two-point gap at the top of the Serie A standings over Napoli, who had moved a point ahead of them following their 2-1 win at Genoa on Saturday heading into the Christmas break.

Lookman has now produced nine goals and four assists in 14 Serie A appearances this season as he continues to be a key figure of Atalanta’s title charge and Champions League aspirations.