2024 CAF Awards: Ademola Lookman, Barbra Banda, and Ronwen Williams Shine in Marrakech
The 2024 CAF Awards, held in Marrakech, Morocco, was a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as Africa’s finest football talents were honoured for their outstanding achievements.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the biggest winners of the evening, highlighting the tremendous growth and success of African football in 2024.
Lookman Leads the Way for Nigeria
Ademola Lookman claimed the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award after a sensational 12 months with Italian club Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Lookman’s contributions on the domestic and international stage solidified his status as one of Africa’s premier stars.
He follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, marking the first time Nigeria has had back-to-back winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
Barbra Banda Makes History
Zambia’s Barbra Banda won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award, capping off a phenomenal year. Banda dominated the 2024 NWSL season with Orlando Pride, securing the NWSL Shield and Championship while scoring the decisive goal in the final against Washington Spirit.
Her achievements also include a record-setting hat-trick for Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking her third Olympic hat-trick, an unprecedented feat in the tournament’s history. Banda also became the first African player named in the prestigious FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Ronwen Williams: The Double Winner
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams was the only double winner of the night, taking home both the CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and CAF Interclub Player of the Year awards.
His heroics during the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly his stunning four penalty saves in the quarter-final shootout against Cape Verde, were unforgettable. As captain, he led South Africa to a bronze medal finish. At club level, Williams’ leadership and brilliance helped Mamelodi Sundowns set a record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 matches as they cruised to their seventh consecutive domestic title.
Super Falcons Retain Their Crown
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year, retaining the title for the second consecutive year. Their consistent dominance and success on both the African and global stages continue to reinforce their status as the queens of African football.
See Also:
2024 CAF Awards: Ademola Lookman Emerges Best Player Of The Year
2024 CAF Awards: Nigeria’s Historic Legacy at Stake As Lookman, Nnadozie Lead the Charge
Video ¦ France vs Nigeria ¦ 2-1 ¦ Super Falcons Record First-Ever Goal Against Les Bleues
Other Key Highlights of the 2024 CAF Awards
Individual Honors
•Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC) – Her stellar performances earned her this award for the second year running, along with the Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season title for 2023-24.
•Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR) – Acknowledged for her standout performances at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.
•Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco) – Recognized for his dynamic displays for club and country.
•Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR) – The 19-year-old secured the Golden Boot with six goals at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Coaching Excellence
•Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire) – Guided the hosts to an emotional AFCON title after a dramatic turnaround.
•Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe) – Led her team to victory at the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Team and Club Awards
•Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire – Celebrated for their remarkable AFCON triumph.
•Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria’s Super Falcons – Champions once again.
•Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt) – Winners of their fourth CAF Champions League title in five years.
•Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo) – Honoured for their CAF Women’s Champions League victory.
Special Awards
•Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Angola) – Voted for by fans for his audacious strike against Namibia at AFCON 2023.
Match Officials Recognized
•Men’s Referee of the Year: Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)
•Women’s Referee of the Year: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
•Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)
•Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
CAF Best XI Teams
CAF Men’s Best XI
•Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
•Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Chancel Mbemba
•Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat, Franck Kessié, Yves Bissouma
•Forwards: Mohammed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
CAF Women’s Best XI
•Included stars like Michelle Alozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala.
The Legacy of the 2024 CAF Awards
The 2024 CAF Awards celebrated the achievements and milestones of African football from January to October 2024. This year’s ceremony highlighted not just individual brilliance but also the collective strides made in men’s and women’s football across the continent.
From Ademola Lookman’s historic triumph to Barbra Banda’s record-breaking achievements and Ronwen Williams’ double win, the evening was a reflection of Africa’s unwavering passion and talent for the beautiful game.
With stars continuing to rise, the CAF Awards serve as an inspiration for the next generation of African footballers to dream big and conquer the world stage.
2024 CAF Awards Winners List
CAF Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)
CAF Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)
CAF Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)
CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)
CAF Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
CAF Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
CAF Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire
CAF Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
CAF Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
CAF Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
CAF Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Angola)
