MARRAKESH: Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in Marrakesh. The Atalanta forward triumphed over competitors such as Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Lookman’s victory marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has claimed the award, following Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023. Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first Zambian to win the Women’s Player of the Year, surpassing Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The awards are determined by a panel of experts, including members of CAF’s technical committee, African media professionals, players, and coaches.
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Ademola Lookman’s Exceptional Year
At 27, Lookman was the favorite to win his first African Footballer of the Year award after an outstanding 2023-24 season. He played a pivotal role in helping Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His performance made him the sixth player in history to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
Ademola Lookman with European cup after helping his team to win the medal .
On the international stage, Lookman was named in the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament after scoring three goals as Nigeria finished as runners-up to the host nation, Ivory Coast, in February. The former Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City player was also the sole African on the men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, finishing in 14th place.
Lookman continues to shine for Atalanta this season, with eight goals in Serie A, propelling his team to the top of the league standings.
Banda’s Back-to-Back Triumphs
Barbra Banda’s award comes shortly after she was voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. The 24-year-old striker was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), leading Orlando Pride to their first-ever championship title. Banda scored 17 goals, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts, and her decisive goal in the NWSL Championship final helped Pride defeat Washington Spirit 1-0.
Banda also made a significant impact for Zambia at the Paris Olympics, scoring four goals, including a first-half hat-trick against Australia. With 10 goals across two Olympic Games, she holds the record as Africa’s all-time leading Olympic scorer.
A Star-Studded Evening
The CAF Awards ceremony also featured vibrant entertainment, with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Moroccan singer Dystinct performing. Cameroon’s President Paul Biya received an outstanding achievement award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who also congratulated Morocco on being named co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had a successful night, winning both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards despite missing out on the top men’s prize.
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)
