The 2024 CAF African Ballon d'Or Awards will take center stage on December 16, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the awards aim to recognize and celebrate the exemplary talent and dedication shown by players, coaches, and teams across Africa. This year, 15 awards will be presented, spotlighting the best performers from the continent's vibrant football community.
Football enthusiasts are poised for excitement as they anticipate the crowning of the African Player of the Year, along with other prestigious categories. The competition for this coveted title is intensifying, with five top contenders vying for the recognition: Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams.
Achraf Hakimi, the illustrious right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, is viewed as the frontrunner for the award. Known for his consistent performances and leadership on the field, Hakimi has played a pivotal role not only for PSG but also for the Moroccan national team. His remarkable feats this year include helping PSG clinch their third consecutive Ligue 1 title and securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
After sounding confident about his chances - "Cette nomination récompense tout le travail effectué depuis que je suis tout petit. J’espère remporter ce trophée important dans ma carrière" - Hakimi has expressed his excitement about potentially adding this prestigious accolade to his impressive list of achievements.
On the other hand, Nigeria's Ademola Lookman also stands strong as another contender for the African Player of the Year. The Atalanta forward has been instrumental for both his club and country, showcasing stellar performances during the Serie A season and making significant contributions to Nigeria's run at the Africa Cup of Nations. Lookman's hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen during the UEFA Europa League final highlights his capability and hunger for greatness.
"I’ve been playing some of the finest football of my career, and contributing to such significant victories motivates me to perform even more," Lookman stated, showcasing his intent to claim individual honors.
Meanwhile, Simon Adingra, the young Ivorian sensation playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, has made headlines with his brilliant showing during the Africa Cup of Nations. His equalizer against Mali during the quarter-finals exemplified his rising status, and earning the Best Young Player award has placed him firmly among the top contenders for rising stars of African football.
Guinea's Serhou Guirassy and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams are also making names for themselves. Guirassy's impressive tally of goals during the Bundesliga season, including key performances for Borussia Dortmund, has positioned him as one of the most potent strikers currently playing. On the other hand, Williams, known for his heroics during the Africa Cup of Nations and his stellar performances for Mamelodi Sundowns, could solidify his reputation as one of Africa’s elite goalkeepers.
With the awards ceremony just around the corner, anticipation continues to build. Football fans can catch the live broadcast at 19:00 local time, 18:00 GMT, as CAF awards its winners, celebrating both historical legacies and the emergence of new talents within African football. Viewers can tune in through partner sports TV stations or stream the event on the CAF website.
Looking back at previous winners, the last five African Player of the Year recipients include the likes of Victor Osimhen (2023), Sadio Mané (2022, 2019), and Mohamed Salah (2018, 2017). The continuity of talent signifies the burgeoning growth and recognition of African football on the global stage.
Who will take home the prestigious trophy this year? Only time will tell as fans eagerly await the results from Morocco's vibrant city of Marrakech!