The Biggest Night in African Football: Who Will Be Africa's Footballer of the Year?

Who Will Be Crowned African Footballer of the Year? The CAF Awards 2024 Showdown!

The stage is set, and the excitement is palpable as football fans across Africa eagerly await the announcement of the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the CAF Awards tonight in Marrakech, Morocco. With five exceptional players vying for the prestigious title, the competition promises to be fierce. Let’s dive into the nominees and what makes each a standout contender for African football’s highest individual honor.

The Finalists: Who Will Take Home the Crown?
 

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta BC)
The Nigerian forward is widely regarded as the favorite to win this year. Lookman had a stellar year, leading Atalanta to their first-ever Europa League title with a sensational hat-trick in the final. He also played a pivotal role in Nigeria's journey to the AFCON final, contributing crucial goals and assists throughout the tournament. With 25+ goal contributions for club and country in 2024, Lookman has been a force to reckon with.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG)
The Moroccan full-back has been a consistent performer for both Paris Saint-Germain and his national team. Hakimi clinched a league-and-cup double with PSG and was named in Ligue 1’s Team of the Year. He also helped Morocco secure their first-ever Olympic medal in football by winning bronze at Paris 2024. Despite some setbacks at AFCON, Hakimi remains one of Africa's brightest stars.

Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast / Brighton)
At just 22 years old, Adingra has emerged as one of Africa's most exciting young talents. He played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph on home soil, delivering key assists in the final and scoring vital goals during their campaign. While his club form at Brighton has been inconsistent, his AFCON heroics have earned him a spot among Africa’s elite.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)
The Guinean striker enjoyed a prolific season in Germany, scoring an impressive 28 goals for Borussia Dortmund. Guirassy’s clinical finishing and consistent performances make him a strong contender, although his international achievements this year have been less remarkable compared to others on this list.

Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
Williams made history at AFCON by saving four penalties in one shootout, leading South Africa to a bronze medal finish. As captain of Mamelodi Sundowns, he guided his team to another domestic league title while setting defensive records. Although no goalkeeper has won this award since 1986, Williams’ achievements make him an intriguing underdog.

What Makes This Year Special?

This year’s CAF Awards marks a new chapter in African football as some of the usual heavyweights like Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen are absent from the shortlist. This opens up an opportunity for fresh faces to etch their names into history. Ademola Lookman leads the pack as the standout favorite, but with Achraf Hakimi’s consistency and Simon Adingra’s AFCON heroics, nothing is guaranteed.

Engage With Us: Who Do You Think Deserves It?

Football fans, it’s your turn! Will Lookman’s dazzling performances for Atalanta and Nigeria earn him the crown? Can Hakimi finally claim the top prize after finishing second last year? Or will we see an underdog like Ronwen Williams or Simon Adingra rise to glory? Share your thoughts and predictions—who do you think will be crowned African Footballer of the Year tonight?

How to Watch

Don’t miss out on this historic night! The CAF Awards ceremony kicks off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), live from Marrakech’s Palais des Congrès. Tune in via CAF’s YouTube channel or leading broadcasters like beIN Sport, Canal+, SuperSport, and SABC.

As Africa celebrates its finest football talents tonight, one thing is certain: whoever wins will carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines African football!