SamuelThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced it’s finalists for African Men’s best player of the year award.
Who is CAF African best player of the year 2024
Ademola Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nomination has fueled hopes he’ll succeed Victor Osimhen as this year’s CAF African player of the year.
On the 4th, September 2024, Ademola Lookman became the first Atalanta player ever to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Lookman had an impressive season in the Serie A with the Italian side. He registered a total of 15 goals and 8 assists in all competitions for Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman’s best moment came in the 2024 finals of the Europa League after he scored a hat-trick that saw the Piero Gasperini’s side triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in a 3:0 win, handing Bayer Leverkusen their first defeat of the season. The trophy was Atalanta’s first ever European trophy.
He was the only African to have ever scored a hat-trick in a European League final, and the only six player to achieve such feat in a major UEFA competition final. He was named Atalanta’s Player of the Month for September and was even included in the Europa League Team of the season.
Lookman’s impressive forms extended to international duties. He scored 3 goals as Nigeria made the final of the 2023 AFCON before losing to ivory coast in the finals. He was also included in the team of the tournament alongside Troost-Ekong.
How many players are shortlisted for the prestigious award
Asides from Ademola Lookman making the top list, the likes of Victor Boniface and Brahim Dias made the shortlist too.
Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface really hit the ground running after a summer move to Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise.
Victor Boniface made a significant impact for Xabi Alonso’s securing BundesLiga rookie of the month four consecutive months in his debut season. He also made his international debut same season this incredible performance.
He made 32 appearances in the 2023/2024 season for Leverkusen, registering 19goals and 9 assists despite missing out three months due to injury.
His five goals and an assist in seven games matches lead the Xabi Alonso’s side to the Europa League final.
He enjoyed a dream debut season at the club. His impressive scoring form was a key factor on Leverkusen’s resurgence and incredible run to their first ever BundesLiga title and a historic 51 games in a row unbeaten under Xabi Alonso.
Brahim Dias
Despite not featuring for the Morocco side in the 2024 AFCON, The Madrid forward have been shortlisted for the Best African Player of the Year.
Brahim Diaz who played for Spain U17,U19, and U21 switched his allegiance to his father country side Morocco in 2024 after failing to get a senior call up from the Spain national team.
Brahim Diaz rejoined Real Madrid in July 2023 after a loan spell at AC Milan, scoring 13 goals and 13 assists in 91 appearances.
He had since returning won Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup,La Liga, and Champions League. He made 33 appearances in the 2023/2024, with only 16 starts for the Los Blancos. He scored 8 goals in LaLiga and 2 in the Champions League.
He has been as important player for the Madrid side especially on the left side of attack, giving ancelotti’s side more attacking options.
Where will the CAF award for 2024 take place
This year’s CAF award scheduled to take place on Monday, December 16, will be hosted in Marrakech, Morocco.
This is the third consecutive year Morocco will host the ceremony.
Samuel
