The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to write a new chapter in the history of continental football with the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, scheduled for Monday, December 16.
The event will be held in the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, providing a majestic stage to reward the best talent in African football.
Among the most anticipated accolades, the Player of the Year award is the highlight of the evening. Five exceptional players have been shortlisted as finalists, reflecting the immense diversity and brilliance of African football.
Simon Adingra, a talented Ivorian winger playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, is one of the favourites for this edition. The rising star of African football shone at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023, scoring in crucial moments for the Ivorian team. With a decisive equaliser in the quarter-finals and two key passes in the final,
Adingra contributed to his national team’s conquest of the continental title.
Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy also caught the eye after a stellar season with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he scored 30 goals. Since his transfer to Borussia Dortmund, Guirassy continues to impress on the international stage, particularly in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where he emerged as a prolific and consistent goalscorer.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi is another strong candidate. Recognised as one of the best defenders in the world, Hakimi has played a key role in his club’s successes, winning Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. His leadership was also evident at the Paris Olympics, where he led the Moroccan team to a historic
bronze medal.
Ademola Lookman, a Nigerian striker playing for Atalanta Bergamo, stood out with his spectacular performances in Serie A. With his club and the national team, Lookman has produced a series of high-level performances, establishing himself as an essential asset.
Finally, Ronwen Williams, South African goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, completes this prestigious list. At AFCON 2023, he contributed significantly to South Africa’s journey to the bronze medal thanks to spectacular saves. At club level, he distinguished himself with an impressive defensive record.
CAF has described this edition of the awards as one of the most competitive in history. The five finalists, from such varied backgrounds, embody the continued rise of African football. Through their exploits, they symbolise not only the pride of their respective nations, but also Africa’s growing influence in the global football landscape. The event, which will be widely broadcast across the continent and beyond, promises to reaffirm African football’s position as a key player on the world stage.
MN/AC/te/fss/as/APA