The 2024 CAF Awards will be held on December 16 in Marrakech, one of Morocco’s vibrant cities. This prestigious event serves as a platform to honour exceptional achievements in African football, with football figures from across the continent in attendance. The crowning moment of the night will undoubtedly be the announcement of the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, celebrating the finest male footballer from Africa for the 2023/24 season.
The nominees for this prestigious accolade include:
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa), a goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), a forward representing Atalanta in Italy.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), a defender playing for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), a forward with Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
- Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire), a forward from Brighton & Hove Albion in England.
Each player’s accomplishments have been noteworthy, but Ademola Lookman emerges as a leading contender. While Serhou Guirassy impressed with 33 goal contributions at Stuttgart, his impact was less pronounced during the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). On the other hand, Lookman’s consistent form across club, continental, and international competitions solidifies his claim to the award.
Lookman, the sole African nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s success, scoring a record-breaking hat trick during their Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen—a historic win that ended the club’s 61-year trophy drought and secured their UEFA Champions League spot for the next season. Moreover, Lookman’s contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, including three decisive goals, were vital in leading the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish. This unique combination of achievements at both club and international levels underscores his all-around prowess.
The other nominees have also had remarkable seasons, showcasing the depth of talent in African football. Achraf Hakimi played a key role for Paris Saint-Germain, helping them secure three domestic titles and progress to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Similarly, Simon Adingra shone during Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON triumph, leaving an indelible mark on the final. However, Lookman’s contributions—marked by their significance and historic nature—stand above the rest.
Currently, Lookman remains a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing 2024/25 season. With 16 goal contributions across Serie A and the Champions League, he has propelled Atalanta to the top of the league standings and into the Champions League knockout stages. His consistency and ability to influence key moments continue to elevate his profile as one of Africa’s finest.
Ademola Lookman epitomizes the brilliance of African football with his extraordinary performances across all competitions. As the CAF Awards approach, his exceptional achievements throughout the season position him as the standout candidate to claim the coveted title of Men’s Player of the Year.
