Ademola Lookman, Barbra Banda, and Ronwen Williams Named Top Winners at 2024 CAF Awards
The 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, brought together Africa’s football elite to celebrate the continent’s standout performers of the year. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, Zambian striker Barbra Banda, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the night’s biggest winners at the star-studded ceremony on Monday. The prestigious event honored the remarkable growth of football in Africa, with special recognition for achievements in both men’s and women’s football.
Ademola Lookman Wins CAF Men’s Player of the Year
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian star playing for Italian club Atalanta, clinched the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award following a stellar year for club and country. Lookman’s consistent performances, including crucial goals and assists, played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s successful campaign.
The Nigerian Prince is officially crowned . #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/FPKXp8JovR
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024
The 26-year-old forward follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023. Lookman’s triumph marks the first time Nigeria has had consecutive Men’s Player of the Year winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997), showcasing the country’s dominance on the continental stage.
Barbra Banda Claims Women’s Player of the Year
Zambian forward Barbra Banda earned the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award after an exceptional season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Banda’s brilliance for Orlando Pride helped her team secure both the NWSL Shield and the Championship, with her decisive goal in the final against Washington Spirit cementing her place among the game’s greats.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2024 Women’s Player of the Year. #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/RyM6AApUTj
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024
Banda also made history at the Paris Olympics 2024, scoring her third hat-trick in Olympic football — an all-time record. Her achievements earned her a spot in the prestigious FIFPRO Women’s World 11, making her the first African player to receive this global honor.
Ronwen Williams’ Double Triumph for South Africa
Ronwen Williams was the only double award winner of the night, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers. The South African shot-stopper claimed the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.
Williams’ heroics during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 were pivotal, particularly his unforgettable penalty saves in the quarter-final shootout win against Cape Verde. As captain, he led South Africa to a bronze-medal finish in the competition.
Double the delight for Ronwen! #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/7VngNLNzMp
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024
On the domestic front, Williams shone for Mamelodi Sundowns, helping them set a joint-record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 matches en route to their seventh consecutive South African Premiership title.
Other Major Winners at the 2024 CAF Awards
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie retained the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second year in a row. The Paris FC star was instrumental in her club’s success and earned recognition as the Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023-24.
Sanaâ Mssoudy of AS FAR Rabat and Morocco won Women’s Interclub Player of the Year following her standout performances in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, where she was named Best Player.
Lamine Camara of Senegal and Monaco was awarded the Men’s Young Player of the Year after impressing with his dynamic displays for both club and country. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Doha El Madani took home the Women’s Young Player of the Year award after securing the Golden Boot in the CAF Women’s Champions League with six goals.
Coaches of the Year: Emerse Faé and Lamia Boumehdi
Cote d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the national team to an inspiring Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil. Faé’s tactical brilliance transformed the team’s fortunes, guiding them from near-elimination to continental glory in one of Africa’s most memorable sports stories of 2024.
Masterminds. #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/179jE3AgoH
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 17, 2024
On the women’s side, Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe claimed the Women’s Coach of the Year award. Her leadership and strategic vision steered TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League title after defeating AS FAR Rabat in the final.
National and Club Honours
Cote d’Ivoire’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph saw them crowned Men’s National Team of the Year, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons earned the title of Women’s National Team of the Year for their continued dominance on the continent.
Al Ahly’s fourth CAF Champions League win in five years secured the prestigious Men’s Club of the Year title. In the women’s category, TP Mazembe took home the Women’s Club of the Year award, capping off an impressive season.
Goal of the Year and Match Officials Honoured
The Goal of the Year award, the only category decided by fan votes, went to Angola’s Mabululu for his stunning finish against Namibia during the continental tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
He makes it look so easy!
Presenting this stunning finish of as the Goal of the Year! ⚽#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/KK56bZQyjP
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024
CAF also honored referees and match officials for their contributions to African football. Libya’s Mutaz Ibrahim was named Men’s Referee of the Year, while Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi received the Women’s Referee of the Year award. Assistant referees Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon) and Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) were recognized as the top assistants in their respective categories.
CAF Best XI Awards
The CAF-FIFPRO Africa Best XI honored the continent’s top performers in men’s and women’s football:
Men’s Best XI:
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana (Cameroon)
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
- Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (Ghana), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Franck Kessie (Cote d’Ivoire), Yves Bissouma (Mali)
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both Nigeria)
Women’s Best XI:
- Goalkeeper: Andile Dlamini (South Africa)
- Defenders: Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both Nigeria), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini (both South Africa)
- Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo (South Africa), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
- Forwards: Barbra Banda (Zambia), Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
The 2024 CAF Awards celebrated the brilliance, talent, and perseverance of African footballers and highlighted the extraordinary progress the game continues to make across the continent.
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