The beautiful game in Africa is set to be celebrated once again as Morocco prepares to host the 2024 CAF Awards on December 16th. This prestigious ceremony recognizes the top footballers on the continent, and this year promises to be a tight race for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award.
A Look at the Top 5 Contenders:
5. Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast, Borussia Dortmund): Haller’s powerful presence helped propel Ivory Coast to AFCON glory and propelled Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final. However, a dip in goalscoring late in the season puts a question mark on his chances.
4. Victor Boniface (Nigeria, Bayer Leverkusen): This young forward exploded onto the scene, scoring 14 goals and helping Leverkusen claim their first-ever Bundesliga title. While he couldn’t replicate that form at AFCON due to injury, his league success can’t be ignored.
3. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, VfB Stuttgart): The Bundesliga’s top African scorer last season, Guirassy was a force to be reckoned with for Stuttgart. Fitness issues hampered his AFCON performance, but his club success keeps him in the conversation.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool): A perennial favorite, Salah’s consistent scoring for Liverpool (25 goals last season) makes him a frontrunner. Though his AFCON showing was underwhelming, his experience and star power can’t be discounted.
1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta): Lookman has taken African football by storm. His three goals at AFCON, coupled with Atalanta’s Europa League victory where he scored a hat-trick in the final, solidify him as the current favorite.
The Verdict
This year’s race is wide open. Lookman’s incredible rise and trophies won make him the frontrunner, but Salah’s experience and Boniface’s historic achievement with Leverkusen can’t be ignored. The coming months will be crucial as these players continue to showcase their talents. Who will be crowned king? Make sure to tune in to the CAF Awards on December 16th to find out!
