Seunfunmi Joshua
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been named African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held on Monday, capping off a stellar year for the 27-year-old. Lookman’s remarkable season included a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen and a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where he netted three goals. With 17 goals last season and 11 already this campaign for Atalanta, Lookman’s consistent brilliance earned him the coveted title. The ceremony also celebrated other standout performances in African football, including Barbra Banda as African Women’s Player of the Year.
Here’s the full list of winners from the 2024 CAF Awards.
African Player Of The Year (Men) – Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
African Player Of The Year (Women) – Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Caf President Outstanding Achievement – Paul Biya (Cameroon)
Caf President Outstanding Achievement – Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Egypt)
Goal Of The Year – Mabululu Goal Vs Namibia In Afcon 2025
Best Xi (Men)
Andre Onana (Cameroon) – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal), Chancel Mbemba (Dr Congo) – Mohammed Kudus (Ghana), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Franck Kessie (Cote D’ivoire), Yves Bissouma (Dr Congo) – Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).
Best Xi (Women)
Andile Dlamini (South Africa) – Michelle Alozie (Nigeria), Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa), Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria) – Lebohang Ramalepe (South Africa), Linda Motlhalo (South Africa), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Cheebak (Morocco), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi).
Coach Of The Year (Men) – Emerse Fae (Cote D’ivoire)
Coach Of The Year (Women) – Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco)
Goalkeeper Of The Year (Men) – Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Goalkeeper Of The Year (Women) – Chuamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Interclub Player Of The Year (Women) – Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco)
Interclub Player Of The Year (Men) – Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Club Of The Year (Women) – Tp Mazembe (Dr Congo)
Club Of The Year (Men) – Ahly (Egypt)
National Team Of The Year (Men) – Côte D’ivoire
National Team Of The Year (Women) – Nigeria
Young Player Of The Year (Men) – Lamine Camara (Senegal)
Young Player Of The Year (Women) – Doha El Madani (Morocco)
Best Male Referees – Ibrahim Mutaz (Libya), Assistant Referee – Elvis Noupue (Cameroon)
Best Female Referees – Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco), Assistant Referee – Diana Chikotesha
Final Thoughts
The 2024 CAF Awards not only celebrated Ademola Lookman’s rise to African football’s pinnacle but also highlighted the exceptional talent flourishing across the continent. From Barbra Banda’s resilience to the achievements of other nominees, the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the diverse brilliance within African football.
Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to even greater achievements in the future of African football!
