Drogba Submits Petition For Fair Transfer Of Ademola Lookman.
Milan, Italy – Football legend Didier Drogba arrived in Italy on 14 August 2025 to present a 50-page petition to Atalanta, calling for a fair and transparent transfer process for Ademola Lookman, the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year. The petition, endorsed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscores the need for accountability in global football transfers, particularly for Africa’s brightest talents.
Drogba, a two-time CAF Player of the Year and former Chelsea star, has taken a bold stand to ensure that Lookman, the Nigerian forward who has dazzled at Atalanta, is treated equitably amid ongoing transfer speculation. Lookman’s stellar performances, including a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024, have made him a sought-after talent, with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested. The petition, backed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and signed by several former African footballers, seeks to protect Lookman’s career prospects and set a precedent for fair treatment of African players in the global market.
The 27-year-old winger, who has scored 43 goals and provided 23 assists in 97 appearances for Atalanta since joining in 2022, has been pivotal to the club’s resurgence, including their first-ever European trophy and their current lead in the Serie A table. However, posts on X suggest that Atalanta’s handling of Lookman’s potential transfer has raised concerns, with allegations of the club blocking opportunities for the player to join a new team. Drogba’s intervention aims to address these issues, advocating for transparency and respect in negotiations.
Speaking at a press conference in Milan, Drogba emphasised the broader implications of the petition: “This is about ensuring African players are given the respect and opportunities they deserve. Ademola Lookman is a shining example of Africa’s talent, and his journey must be supported, not hindered.” The petition calls for clear communication between clubs, players, and governing bodies to prevent exploitation and ensure fair market practices.
CAF’s involvement highlights its commitment to safeguarding African players’ rights in an often opaque transfer market. The organisation’s support for the petition follows Lookman’s crowning as Africa’s best player at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, where he outshone competitors like Achraf Hakimi and Simon Adingra. His contributions to Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and Atalanta’s European success were key to his accolade.
The football community has rallied behind Drogba’s initiative, with fans and analysts on X praising his dedication to African football. The petition’s submission to Atalanta is seen as a landmark moment, potentially influencing how clubs approach transfers involving African stars. As Lookman continues to shine, with 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances this season, the spotlight remains on Atalanta’s response to this high-profile call for justice.
Drogba’s advocacy, backed by CAF, sends a powerful message: African talent deserves fairness, transparency, and respect on the global stage.
