The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
Important Accomplishments in 2024:
Club Success with Atalanta:
- Scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to victory.
- Contributed to Atalanta’s journey to the Coppa Italia final.
- Tallied 17 goals in the previous season and 11 goals in the current campaign.
International Performance with Nigeria:
- Played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, scoring three goals during the tournament.
The 27-year-old striker was proud to get the prize and urged people to keep going for their goals in spite of obstacles.
He follows last year’s recipient, Victor Osimhen, as the eighth Nigerian to receive this esteemed honour.
Barbra Banda of Zambia won African Women’s Player of the Year in the women’s division for her role in Orlando Pride’s victory in the NWSL Championship.
Mabululu of Angola earned Goal of the Year for his daring finish against Namibia in the Cote d’Ivoire continental finals. Fans only cast votes for this one award.
Match officials were also acknowledged at the 2024 CAF Awards, in keeping with the vow made by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe during the ceremony last year.
Bouchra Karboubi of Morocco won Women’s Referee of the Year, and Mutaz Ibrahim of Libya won Men’s Referee of the Year.
Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year went to Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue of Cameroon, while Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year went to Diana Chikotesha of Zambia.
The top performers from the continent in each position were also recognised and named in the Men’s and Women’s CAF-FIFPRO Africa Best XI.
Check out the list of 2024 CAF Awards Winners:
Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe; Moroccan)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanâa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco)
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR/Morocco)
Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire
Women’s National Team of the Year Super Falcons of Nigeria
Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
Women’s Club of the Year TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Goal for Angola against Namibia)
Best Referee (Women): Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
Best Referee (Men): Elvis Guy Nguegoue (Cameroon)
Best 11 Women: Andile Dlamini; Michelle Alozie; Karabo Dhlamini; Osinachi Ohale; Lebohang Ramalepe; Linda Motlhalo; Rasheedat Ajibade; Ghizlane Chebbak; Barbra Banda; Asisat Oshoala; Tabitha Chawingwa
Best 11 Men: Andre Onana; Achraf Hakimi; Khalidou Koulibaly; Chancel Mbemba; Mohammed Kudus; Sofyan Amrabat; Franck Kessie; Yves Bissouma; Mohamed Salah; Victor Osimhen; Ademola Lookman
Outstanding Achievement Award: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt) and; President Paul Biya (Cameroon).
