As anticipation builds for the 2024 CAF Awards, football fans across Africa and beyond are eagerly awaiting to discover who will take home the prestigious Men’s Player of the Year accolade. The ceremony, set to take place on Monday at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, promises to be one of the most thrilling in the history of the awards. This year, the list of nominees has remained unchanged, with five exceptional players still vying for the coveted title.
The competition is fierce, with each of the finalists having had a standout year, both at club and international levels. With the ceremony scheduled to kick off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time / 21:00 East African time), here’s a closer look at the players in the running for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
1. Simon Adingra (Cote d'Ivoire)
Club: Brighton & Hove Albion, England
Position: Winger
The 22-year-old Adingra has been a key figure for Cote d'Ivoire in their memorable run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title. His performances during the tournament were crucial, including a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser against Mali in the quarter-finals and two assists in the final against Nigeria. Adingra was named Best Young Player of the tournament, and he has continued to impress in the Premier League with Brighton, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in Europe. His combination of skill, vision, and crucial contributions in important matches make him a strong contender for the award.
2. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
Club: Borussia Dortmund, Germany
Position: Forward
Guirassy’s 2023-24 season has been nothing short of sensational. After an extraordinary 30 goals in as many Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart, the 28-year-old forward made a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund. His 28 goals in the league last season set a new record for Stuttgart, and only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scored more goals in the Bundesliga. Guirassy’s impressive form continued into the 2024 campaign, and his 23 goals for club and country during the review period, including a hat-trick for Guinea in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, highlight his lethal finishing and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Club: Paris Saint-Germain, France
Position: Right-back
Hakimi has been one of the most consistent and influential full-backs in world football, and his performances in 2024 have further solidified his reputation. At PSG, the Moroccan helped secure a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and a Coupe de France victory. Hakimi also played an integral role in Morocco’s historic bronze medal run at the Paris Olympic Games. His leadership, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions have been crucial for both club and country, making him a standout figure in African football. His performances in international competitions, including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, further cement his candidacy for the award.
4. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Club: Atalanta, Italy
Position: Forward
Ademola Lookman’s rise to prominence in 2024 has been remarkable. The Nigerian winger was instrumental in Atalanta’s push for a Serie A title and played a pivotal role in their UEFA Europa League triumph—marking the club’s first major silverware in 61 years. Lookman was the star of the final, scoring a hat-trick in a commanding victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, Lookman helped Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where his three goals earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and match-winning performances make him one of the top contenders for the award.
5. Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa
Position: Goalkeeper
Ronwen Williams has enjoyed a year to remember, cementing his status as one of the continent’s best goalkeepers. His remarkable penalty-saving heroics in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 were crucial in South Africa's bronze medal finish, where they overcame strong opposition including Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Williams also played a pivotal role in helping Mamelodi Sundowns set a record for the fewest goals conceded in the South African Premiership while guiding the club to a record-extending seventh consecutive league title. His leadership, shot-stopping abilities, and consistency make him a standout player in a year dominated by attacking talent.
A Historic Race for the Prize
The 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award race is truly one of the closest in recent memory. With five players from diverse positions—ranging from goalkeepers to forwards—each nominee has made significant contributions to their respective clubs and national teams over the past year.
Whether it’s the flair and creativity of Simon Adingra, the goal-scoring exploits of Serhou Guirassy and Ademola Lookman, the leadership and consistency of Achraf Hakimi, or the match-winning performances of Ronwen Williams, this year’s nominees represent the very best of African football.
As the football world eagerly awaits the ceremony, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable night in Marrakech. Each nominee has made an indelible mark on the beautiful game, and the winner will join a prestigious list of African football legends in history.
Stay tuned for the results, and let the countdown to the 2024 CAF Awards begin!
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