The stage is set for one of the most anticipated nights in African football. The 2024 CAF Awards, scheduled for Monday, December 16, at the iconic Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, will honor the best of African football. This year’s awards have already captured the continent’s imagination, with five exceptional athletes vying for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year title.
This year’s ceremony promises high drama and intense excitement, as the nominees are among the finest ever to grace African football. The event will kick off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT, 20:00 Cairo time, 21:00 East African time), and fans across the globe are eager to see which stars will etch their names into CAF’s illustrious history.
The Men’s Player of the Year Finalists
With no clear frontrunner, the 2024 Men’s Player of the Year Award is shaping into one of the closest contests in recent history. Let’s take a closer look at the five remarkable athletes who have captured the imagination of fans and critics alike.
Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire)
Adingra’s sensational performances have made him one of African football’s brightest young stars. At 22, the winger played a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s triumphant AFCON 2023 campaign, scoring a dramatic equalizer in the quarterfinals and delivering two assists in the final against Nigeria. Adingra was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, and his influence extends to the Premier League, where he’s been a standout performer for Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
The prolific forward has had an unforgettable year, smashing records and turning heads. Guirassy scored 30 goals in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart in the 2023-24 season, breaking a 15-year-old club record. His transition to Borussia Dortmund has been seamless, with his scoring prowess continuing to dazzle fans. Guirassy has been equally potent on the international stage, including back-to-back hat tricks in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Ethiopia.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi remains a beacon of consistency and excellence. The right-back played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 and Coupe de France victories, showcasing his leadership and defensive prowess. On the international stage, Hakimi was instrumental in Morocco’s bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and continued his stellar form at AFCON 2023. Known for his versatility and resilience, Hakimi is a perennial contender for individual accolades.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Ademola Lookman has had a career-defining year. His electrifying performances for Atalanta helped the club secure its first UEFA Europa League title in over six decades. Lookman’s stunning hat trick in the final was a masterpiece, earning him accolades as one of Europe’s standout players. At AFCON 2023, he was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the final, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has been a wall of strength. His penalty saves at AFCON 2023 were the stuff of legend, leading Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal. Williams guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their seventh consecutive league title at the club level, conceding just 11 goals—a joint league record. His composure and leadership have made him a national treasure.
The Women’s Player of the Year Finalists
The 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year race is equally compelling, with three outstanding athletes representing the best of African women’s football.
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Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Banda’s exploits for Orlando Pride in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League have solidified her reputation as one of the finest players in the world. The Zambian captain’s decisive goal in the league playoff final capped a season in which she scored 17 goals in 25 games. Banda also made history as the first player to score three Olympic hat tricks, further cementing her legacy.
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco)
Mssoudy’s artistry on the pitch has made her a household name in African football. The AS FAR forward lit up the CAF Women’s Champions League with dazzling skills, earning the Best Player award as she led her team to the final. Her ability to inspire and lead is matched only by her technical brilliance, making her a deserving finalist.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s star goalkeeper has been a revelation for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine. Her jaw-dropping saves earned her the GoalkGoalkeeperhe Season award, while her heroics at the Paris Olympics and AFCON qualifiers have cemented her place among Africa’s elite. Nnadozie’s influence extends beyond the goalposts, inspiring a new generation of players across the continent.
A Celebration of Excellence
The CAF Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of African players, highlighting their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. This year’s finalists embody the resilience, talent, and spirit that define African football.
The 2024 edition is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to the growth and impact of football in Africa. From record-breaking feats to unforgettable moments, these athletes have brought pride to their nations and the continent.
What’s Next?
The countdown to December 16 continues, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners. Whether it’s Simon Adingra’s creativity, Guirassy’s goal-scoring brilliance, Hakimi’s defensive mastery, Lookman’s electrifying performances, or Williams’ heroics, one thing is clear—this year’s Men’s Player of the Year will go down in history.
On the women’s side, the competition between Banda, Mssoudy, and Nnadozie promises to be equally thrilling, celebrating women’s football’s strides on the global stage.
Africa’s footballing stars are ready to shine in Marrakech, and the continent can’t wait to honor its heroes.