On December 16, the best African footballers of 2024 will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony in Morocco. The best sports betting site 1xBet discusses the prestigious award and those who may make their mark in the history of African football.
African Player of the Year
The award for the best footballer on the continent has existed since 1970, when it was first presented by France Football magazine. Since 1992, the Confederation of African Football, an official partner of global betting company 1xBet, has organized the ceremony. The record holders for the most awards are Cameroonian forward Samuel Eto’o and Ivorian midfielder Yaya Touré, both of whom have won the title 4 times.
In 2024, five footballers will compete for the CAF African Player of the Year title: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).
African Goalkeeper of the Year
The Best Goalkeeper Award was introduced in 2002 but was given for only 4 years. Last year, the Confederation of African Football brought back the award to highlight the key role goalkeepers play in their teams’ successes.
This year, the candidates for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award are André Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United), Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast/Angers), Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir (Egypt/Al Ahly Cairo), Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria/Chippa United), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).
Analysis of nominees and prediction
In May, Ademola Lookman scored 3 goals against Bayer in the Europa League final and had previously helped the Nigeria national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. The forward has been in excellent shape in the new season, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in 13 matches. Lookman’s performances for Atalanta in 2024 earned him a spot in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or.
Serhou Guirassy also had an outstanding season last year. Scoring 30 goals in 30 matches for Stuttgart helped him secure a move to Borussia Dortmund, who were finalists in the previous Champions League edition. In his new team, he has already scored 10 goals.
Achraf Hakimi helped the Morocco national team win its first Olympic medal and secured 3 trophies with Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Simon Adingra of Brighton deserves praise for his outstanding role in leading the Ivory Coast national team to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is the only keeper among the nominees for the African Player of the Year award. He earned his spot in the list thanks to his consistent performances throughout the year and his heroic display in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal. Williams saved four penalties in the post-match shootout of the South Africa vs Cape Verde game, helping Bafana Bafana reach the tournament’s semifinals for the first time since 2000.
Ronwen Williams is also competing for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. His main rival is Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana. The past season was challenging for the Cameroonian, but in the new campaign, he has consistently showcased his quality with incredible saves.
According to our experts, the CAF African Player of the Year award should go to Ademola Lookman, while the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award should be given to Ronwen Williams.
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