As the clock ticks down to the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, the spotlight is on who will claim the coveted title of Africa’s Footballer of the Year. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday, December 16, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
Achraf Hakimi: Morocco’s Hope for Glory
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has emerged as a frontrunner for the title. The PSG defender enjoyed a stellar year, winning the French league and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His achievements extend to the international stage, where he secured a bronze medal with Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympics. A win for Hakimi would mark a historic moment, making him the first Moroccan to claim the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. With the ceremony held in his home country, Hakimi also enjoys the advantage of local support.
Ademola Lookman: Nigeria’s Rising Star
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman is also a strong contender after a record-breaking performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick. Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s silver-medal finish at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest talents.
Other Top Contenders
The competition remains fierce with other remarkable nominees in the running:
- Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast): A key figure in the Ivorian team’s AFCON triumph earlier this year.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): The Guinean striker had a standout season with Bundesliga side Stuttgart, earning him widespread recognition.
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa): The South African goalkeeper, also nominated for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year, has been an anchor for his national and club teams.
Historical Context
Victor Osimhen of Nigeria, who claimed the award in 2023, will pass the torch to this year’s winner. Historically, Cameroon leads the pack with 11 Footballer of the Year titles, including four by the legendary Samuel Eto’o. Ivory Coast and Nigeria are tied for second, with six awards each.
As anticipation builds, fans across Africa await the announcement of the continent’s best player, set to add another chapter to the rich history of African football excellence.