The race for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards has reached its exciting climax. As the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco draws near, football fans across the continent eagerly await the announcement of who will emerge as the best African player of the year.
With five remarkable players vying for the prestigious honor, this year’s competition stands out as one of the most closely contested in recent history. The event, set to take place on Monday at the Palais des Congrès, will kick off at 19:00 local time (12:30 am Tuesday), adding to the anticipation that has built up throughout the year.
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Top 5 Finalists for CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2024
These five finalists have each demonstrated extraordinary performances throughout 2024, making their names synonymous with success both at the club level and in international competitions. Here’s a closer look at the players still in the running for the Men’s Player of the Year award.
1. Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire) – A Rising Star
Adingra, the 22-year-old winger for Brighton & Hove Albion in England, played a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph at the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations held on home soil. His memorable contributions included scoring a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer in the quarter-finals against Mali, and providing two crucial assists in the final against Nigeria, securing The Elephants’ victory.
His impressive performances earned him the title of Best Young Player at the tournament. In addition to his international success, Adingra has been a key figure in Brighton’s Premier League squad, showcasing his exceptional talent in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
2. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – The Goal Machine
Guirassy, who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, has had a season to remember, scoring an impressive 30 goals in 30 Bundesliga matches for Stuttgart during the 2023-24 campaign. His incredible scoring prowess set a new club record, surpassing Mario Gómez’s 2008-09 tally of 25 goals.
Even after his move to Borussia Dortmund, Guirassy has continued to shine, maintaining his goal-scoring form. His remarkable total of 28 goals in the period under review (January to October 2024) includes a hat-trick for Guinea in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Guirassy’s blistering form for both club and country has made him a strong contender for the prestigious award.
3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – A Rock in Defense and Attack
Hakimi has long been regarded as one of the top right-backs in world football, and his performances in 2024 have only solidified that reputation. As a crucial member of Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi helped secure a third consecutive Ligue 1 title for the French giants. His versatility and leadership qualities were on full display as PSG also claimed victory in the Coupe de France.
Furthermore, his vital contributions helped Morocco clinch a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games. Hakimi’s consistency and skill on the international stage, including his goal for Morocco against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, make him one of the top candidates for the award.
4. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – A Sensational Season in Serie A
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has enjoyed a standout 2024 season, helping his club emerge as one of the top contenders in Italy’s Serie A. His remarkable performances were pivotal in securing Atalanta’s first major trophy in 61 years—the UEFA Europa League title. Lookman’s memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen was one of the most iconic displays of the season.
On the international front, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals. His stellar year also saw him named in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s top footballers.
5. Ronwen Williams (South Africa) – A Goalkeeper’s Excellence
Williams, a standout goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team, has had an unforgettable year. As captain of Bafana Bafana, he was instrumental in leading South Africa to a bronze medal at the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, earning widespread recognition for his heroic penalty shootout saves, which included crucial stops against Morocco, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Williams also helped Mamelodi Sundowns to a record-extending seventh consecutive league title, while his performances in the South African Premiership set a new benchmark for goalkeepers with only 11 goals conceded in 30 matches. His contributions to both club and country have earned him a spot as one of the top finalists for the award.
The awards ceremony, which is set to take place in the beautiful city of Marrakech, Morocco, will undoubtedly be a memorable evening as these stars of African football look to add another prestigious accolade to their already impressive careers. As the countdown to the event continues, it’s clear that the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award will be one for the history books.
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FAQs
Who are the top 5 finalists for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year?
The finalists are Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
When and where will the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, at the Palais des Congrès.
What time does the CAF Awards ceremony start?
The event kicks off on Monday at 19:00 local time (12:30 Tuesday).
What achievements contributed to the finalists’ nominations?
The nominees have excelled at club and international levels, with standout performances such as winning the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring in top leagues, and leading their teams to major victories.
Who won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations?
Côte d’Ivoire won the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with Simon Adingra playing a key role in their success.
