Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda Shine Bright at Star-Studded 2024 CAF Awards

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The 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakesh delivered a dazzling celebration of African football excellence, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbra Banda taking home the night’s top honors.

Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year, following a historic season that saw him etch his name into the annals of European and African football. Meanwhile, Banda became the first Zambian to claim the Women’s Player of the Year award, cementing her status as a trailblazer in women’s football.

Lookman’s Rise to Glory

Atalanta’s talismanic forward, Ademola Lookman, had a year to remember. The 27-year-old spearheaded his team’s charge to their first-ever European trophy, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This feat made him only the sixth player to net a treble in a European club final and the first to do so since 1975.

On the international stage, Lookman shone brightly, earning a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Team of the Tournament. His three goals helped Nigeria’s Super Eagles secure a runner-up finish, narrowly losing to hosts Ivory Coast.

Adding to his accolades, Lookman was the sole African shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th in the rankings. His eight goals in Serie A this season have propelled Atalanta to the top of the league table, underlining his critical role for the Italian club.

Lookman’s triumph marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has won the coveted award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.




Barbra Banda: Breaking Records and Making History

Barbra Banda’s meteoric rise continued as she made history as Zambia’s first-ever CAF Women’s Player of the Year. Her incredible season with Orlando Pride saw her claim the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) MVP award, scoring 17 goals and driving her team to their first league title.

Her defining moment came in the Championship final, where her decisive strike secured a 1-0 victory over Washington Spirit. Banda’s achievements extended to the global stage at the Paris Olympics, where she scored four goals, including a stunning first-half hat-trick against Australia.

Banda’s 10 Olympic goals have now made her the highest-scoring African in the history of the Games, solidifying her status as a legend in the making.



A Night of Celebration and Legacy

The glittering ceremony in Marrakesh was a night to remember, with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Moroccan singer Dystinct delivering electrifying performances. The awards also honored Cameroonian President Paul Biya for his outstanding contributions to African football, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting the accolade.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams was another standout, bagging two trophies as Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Al Ahly and DR Congo’s TP Mazembe were named the best men’s and women’s clubs, respectively.

The Full List of 2024 CAF Award Winners

  • Men's Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria & Atalanta)
  • Women's Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia & Orlando Pride)
  • Men's Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast)
  • Women's Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
  • Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Women's Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria & Paris FC)
  • Men's Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
  • Women's Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
  • Men's Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
  • Women's Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco & AS FAR)
  • Men's Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal & Monaco)
  • Women's Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco & AS FAR)
  • Men's National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast
  • Women's National Team of the Year: Nigeria
  • Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola) – Angola v Namibia (AFCON 2023)

African Football: A Bright Future Ahead

The 2024 CAF Awards showcased not only individual brilliance but also the collective strides African football continues to make. From Lookman’s clinical finishing to Banda’s relentless drive, the night highlighted the continent’s undeniable talent and passion for the beautiful game.

With rising stars like Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Morocco’s Doha El Madani breaking through, the future of African football looks brighter than ever.

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