2024 CAF Awards: Celebrating Africa’s Football Excellence
The glittering superstars of African football converged on the 2024 CAF Awards on December 16 in celebration of their performances on the continent. A sumptuous night indeed saw players, coaches, teams, and referees who had shown the most skill, dedication, and passion for the sport decorated in pomp and color. Amongst several other award winners, Ademola Lookman’s crowning as African Player of the Year was one of the most memorable moments during the evening.
Ademola Lookman: A Well-Deserved Victory
Brilliant performances by Ademola Lookman throughout 2024 earned him the African Player of the Year award, well deserved. Since joining Atalanta, Italy, Lookman has continued his brilliant performance on the ground while representing Nigeria-a talented player, skillful, determined, and leads by example. This is his first major individual honor throughout his career and seals a firm place as one of Africa’s best.
The Super Eagles star spoke in gratitude during his acceptance speech, dedicating the award to teammates and supporters who were important in making it happen. His victory underpins the ongoing dominance of Nigeria in African football.
Ronwen Williams: South Africa’s Double Champion
The star of the evening, though, was South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as he scooped two major awards: Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. He performed outstandingly at the recent Africa Cup of Nations as South Africa won Bronze; his consistency at club level also proved that he is currently among the best players on the continent.
Williams, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, paid glowing tribute to the support of his team and coaching staff. His double win, not only showed hard work and dedication, but also demonstrated the rising stature of South Africa in African football.
Celebrating Africa’s Top Women Players
The CAF Awards also heaped recognition on outstanding top female players who have touched great lengths in the sporting circles. The winner of the Women’s player of the Year award is Zambian forward Barbra Banda for her inspiration of great feats on the platform both on the international perspective and at club level through Orlando Pride.
The best woman goalkeeper award went to Chiamaka Nnadozie from Nigeria, outstanding for Paris FC, and has further established the dominance of Nigeria in both men’s and women’s football.
Moreover, the talent of Morocco, Doha El Madani from AS FAR, won the Young Player of the Year-Women owing to her great performances in domestic and international competitions.
Ivory Coast Dominates Coaching and Team Awards
It was a night of glittering stars as the Ivory Coast took two major awards from the event. Emerse Faé, head coach of the Ivorian national team, won Men’s Coach of the Year for his outstanding results with the team during the year under review. The Ivorian men’s national team won National Team of the Year, Men, for unity, strategy, and success on the pitch.
Faé’s achievements reflect his ability to inspire and lead, making him a role model for aspiring coaches across the continent.
Morocco: A Night of Distinctions
As the host of the upcoming African Cup, Morocco made its mark at the CAF Awards with multiple wins. Moroccan club AS FAR dominated the female categories: Sanaâ Mssoudy was declared Interclub Player of the Year – Women, while Bouchra Karboubi took home the award for CAF Referee of the Year – Women.
It also showed Morocco investing in the development of young talents when the emerging star Doha El Madani was named Young Player of the Year, Women.
Full List of 2024 CAF Awards Winners
Here is a complete rundown of the winners celebrated at the 2024 CAF Awards:
Player of the Year
- Men: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)
- Women: Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
Goalkeeper of the Year
- Men: Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Women: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)
Interclub Player of the Year
- Men: Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Women: Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
Young Player of the Year
- Men: Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)
- Women: Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)
Coach of the Year
- Men: Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast)
- Women: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
CAF National Team of the Year
- Men: Ivory Coast
- Women: Nigeria
Club of the Year
- Men: Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Women: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Referee of the Year
- Men: Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)
- Women: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
Assistant Referee of the Year
- Men: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)
- Women: Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
Goal of the Year
- Mabululu (Angola)
The Significance of the CAF Awards
Besides that, the CAF Awards are not of personal recognition but to testify to growth and progress within African football. These awards keep challenging the players, teams, and nations to excel more so as to instill in them some kind of competitiveness to further the sport.
The CAF Awards also recognize the potential and talent that African football demonstrates to the world by saluting greatness. Players like Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda show the richly endowed football heritage of the continent, great ambassadors who paved the way for those coming after them.
Celebrating the Best of African Football in 2024
The memorable 2024 CAF Awards saluted the performances of the continental football stars and insignificantly pointed at the increase in the influence that the African continent has in the football world. From the crowning of Ademola Lookman as the best player in Africa down to Ronwen Williams, with his double triumph, each had a reason for his celebration, whether it be in matters of excellence, or matters of perseverance, or, for that matter, passion.
These victories spur both footballers and their fans into action-a great indication that African football does produce a lot of great talents. With more heart-pulsating tournaments and more milestones to be achieved in the future, the CAF Awards will continue serving as an illustration of Africa’s rich legacy in football.
