Caf Awards 2024: Five Stars Vie For Men’s Player Of The Year Amid Intense Rivalry
The race for the prestigious Men’s Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards remains wide open, with the final list of five nominees unchanged as anticipation builds ahead of the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. This year’s contest has been one of the closest in the award’s history, with each nominee bringing a compelling case to claim the title.
The ceremony will be held at the Palais des Congrès, commencing at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Football fans across the continent and beyond will be watching closely as these exceptional players vie to etch their names into the annals of African football history.
Among the nominees, Simon Adingra of Côte d’Ivoire stands out for his pivotal role in his country’s triumphant run to the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations title. The Brighton & Hove Albion winger scored a crucial last-minute equalizer in the quarterfinals and provided two assists in the final against Nigeria. His stellar performance earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award, while he continued to shine in the Premier League as part of Brighton’s exciting young squad.
Serhou Guirassy from Guinea delivered a remarkable season, netting 30 goals in 30 games for Stuttgart in the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign before transferring to Borussia Dortmund. His scoring prowess extended to the international stage, with 23 goals for club and country between January and October 2024, including a hat-trick in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, a consistent force at Paris Saint-Germain, helped his club secure a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. The right-back also led his national team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games and contributed significantly in their AFCON campaign with key goals and solid performances.
Ademola Lookman of Nigeria showcased his brilliance with Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, where he transformed the club into title contenders and secured a UEFA Europa League victory with a sensational hat-trick in the final. His performances for Nigeria, which included three goals and a spot in the AFCON Team of the Tournament, further solidify his credentials.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, a standout goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, made headlines with his penalty-saving heroics during South Africa’s bronze-medal run at AFCON 2023. His leadership also helped Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2025 edition and propelled Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending seventh domestic league title, setting defensive records along the way.
As the countdown to the awards night continues, fans and analysts are divided on who will claim the top prize. Each nominee’s achievements reflect not only individual excellence but also their contributions to elevating African football on the global stage. The 2024 CAF Awards promises an evening of celebration, suspense, and recognition for the continent’s finest talents.