Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the prestigious Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards, held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Atalanta forward edged out tough competition, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, to claim the coveted prize.
Lookman becomes the second consecutive Nigerian to win the award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda Makes History
On the women’s side, Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the Women’s Player of the Year award. Banda triumphed over Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie to secure the honor.
A Year of Excellence for Lookman
At 27, Lookman had a standout 2023-24 season. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic European triumph, delivering a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This feat made him only the sixth player in history to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman was pivotal in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final, where the Super Eagles finished as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast. He was named in the tournament’s Best XI and scored three goals.
Lookman’s stellar performances earned him a spot on the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he placed 14th, and he remains a key player for Atalanta, netting eight Serie A goals this season to propel his team to the top of the table.
Glittering Ceremony in Marrakesh
The Caf Awards celebrated the continent’s footballing excellence with a star-studded ceremony featuring performances by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Moroccan singer Dystinct. The event also honored Cameroonian President Paul Biya with an outstanding achievement award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had a night to remember, picking up the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.
Additionally, the Caf/Fifpro Best XI line-ups were unveiled, highlighting the year’s top male and female players.
Complete List of 2024 Caf Awards Winners
Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria & Atalanta)
Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)
Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco & AS Far)
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal & Monaco)
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco & AS Far)
Men’s National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast
Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
Goal of the Year (voted by fans): Cristovao Mabululu (Angola) – Angola v Namibia (Afcon 2023)
The 2024 Caf Awards highlighted the growing influence of African football on the global stage, celebrating players, coaches, and teams who continue to inspire fans across the continent and beyond.
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