The prestigious 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, held on December 16 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrated the finest talents in African football. This annual event not only recognizes outstanding individual performances, but also showcases the remarkable development of the sport across the continent.
One of the evening's biggest winners was Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, who was awarded the coveted CAF Men’s Player of the Year title. Lookman’s extraordinary year included helping Atalanta secure the UEFA Europa League title—a significant achievement as it marked the club’s first major trophy in 61 years. He concluded the season with 33 goal contributions across all competitions for club and country. His electrifying performance included scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, underscoring why he was chosen over strong competitors such as Achraf Hakimi from Morocco and Ronwen Williams from South Africa.
Directly behind Lookman was Zambia's Barbra Banda, who was crowned the CAF Women’s Player of the Year. Banda’s stellar displays went beyond her club performance with Orlando Pride and included making history at the Paris Olympic Games by scoring her third Olympic hat-trick. Notably, her contributions helped Zambia reach new heights, thereby showcasing the elevated status and visibility of women's football on the continent.
Another significant highlight was South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who took home two awards: CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. Williams gained recognition for his remarkable performances at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where he made several match-winning saves. His contributions were pivotal as he guided Mamelodi Sundowns to their eighth consecutive league title, yielding only 11 goals throughout the season—a feat commemorated at the awards.
Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive year after another stellar season with Paris FC. Nnadozie displayed consistent excellence both at her club and internationally, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most reliable keepers.
The event was not just about individual accolades; it also highlighted team successes. The Super Falcons of Nigeria were named the Women's National Team of the Year, affirming their strength and resilience on the international stage. Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire's men’s national team claimed the title of Men's National Team of the Year after triumphing at the AFCON on home soil.
Underpinning this grand celebration were the moving words from CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, who expressed gratitude for the community and spirit of sport across Africa, stating, "This is Africa, the game's beating heart." His remark encapsulated the essence of the evening as the continent came together to honor its football royalty.
Marrakech lit up with not just awards but also performances from notable artists such as Diamond Platnumz, adding flair to the gala. This artistic celebration enriched the atmosphere, making the event not only about football but also about cultural pride.
Each award, from Men’s and Women’s Young Player of the Year—won by Lamine Camara of Senegal and Doha El Madani of Morocco respectively—reflected the promising future of African football. Camara’s continued brilliance at Monaco and El Madani’s standout performances with AS FAR exemplify the new generation of talents pushing the boundaries of excellence.
The presence of significant figures at the awards, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, underscored the global interest and commitment to supporting African football development. The awards gala served as more than just recognition; it was a vivid demonstration of the sport's capacity to unite diverse communities across the continent.
Reflecting on this celebratory night, the awards highlighted African football's vibrant spirit and the players’ immense talent. Such occasions not only honor past and present achievements but also pave the way for future generations of players. The rich narratives and inspiring stories shared throughout the night showcase what is possible when talent, determination, and opportunity intersect.
Looking forward, the CAF Awards continue to be emblematic of hope and ambition within African football. They stand as a reminder of the collective efforts required to promote and sustain growth at all levels of the sport—from grassroots initiatives to the professional leagues.
Indeed, as the lights dimmed on the dazzling ceremony, the focus shifted to the next chapter of African football, with high hopes for another year filled with brilliance and accomplishments.
