At the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, Zambian striker Barbra Banda, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the standout winners, celebrating the exceptional achievements in African football over the past year.
The glamorous event brought together football legends from across Africa and beyond, highlighting the remarkable progress and development in both men’s and women’s football on the continent.
Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year, a testament to his outstanding performances throughout the year. The Atalanta forward wowed fans with his superb skills, incredible speed, and precise finishing. His crucial contributions not only aided his club in Serie A but also played a significant role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Lookman’s impressive displays, which included key goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistent excellence in domestic matches, secured him the award over notable rivals such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy.
Barbra Banda made headlines by leading the Orlando Pride to victory in the NWSL, clinching both the Shield and Championship titles, and scoring the decisive goal in the final. Additionally, she set an Olympic record by scoring a hat-trick for Zambia, solidifying her place among football’s elite. Banda also became the first African female player to be named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Ronwen Williams was the only athlete to receive two awards, taking home both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year titles. His memorable penalty saves during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations helped South Africa secure the bronze medal. Williams also played a key role in his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, achieving a remarkable defensive record in the league.
Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria was honored as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive time, showcasing her excellence with Paris FC. Meanwhile, Sanaâ Mssoudy from Morocco was recognized as the Women’s Interclub Player of the Year for her standout performances in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The award for Men’s Young Player of the Year was given to Senegal’s Lamine Camara, who impressed with his versatility and skill at both club and national levels. Doha El Madani, also from Morocco, won the Women’s Young Player of the Year for her outstanding performance in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Emerse Fae received the title of Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding Cote d’Ivoire to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Lamia Boumehdi was named Women’s Coach of the Year for leading TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League title.
Cote d’Ivoire was recognized as the Men’s National Team of the Year, and Nigeria’s Super Falcons were named the Women’s National Team of the Year. Al Ahly’s recent success in the CAF Champions League earned them the Men’s Club of the Year award, with TP Mazembe taking home the Women’s Club of the Year title.
Angola’s Mabululu won Goal of the Year for his remarkable finish against Namibia, the only award determined by fan votes. Additionally, the event honored match officials, with Mutaz Ibrahim of Libya being named Men’s Referee of the Year and Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi as Women’s Referee of the Year.
