African football’s finest talents were celebrated in a dazzling 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night. The star-studded event recognized the standout performers of the year, underscoring the growth and excellence of men’s and women’s football across the continent.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year following a brilliant season with Atalanta and the Super Eagles. Lookman’s triumph marked back-to-back wins for Nigeria after Victor Osimhen’s success last year, a first for the country since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).

Zambian forward Barbra Banda clinched the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, thanks to her phenomenal performances in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League. Banda led Orlando Pride to the league title and made history with her record-breaking third Olympic hat-trick, cementing her place as one of Africa’s all-time greats.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams had a standout evening, winning Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year for his stellar displays with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title, showcasing her dominance between the posts.

In the coaching categories, Emerse Faé of Côte d’Ivoire was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the Elephants to AFCON glory on home soil, while Lamia Boumehdi earned Women’s Coach of the Year for guiding TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League triumph.

Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria were celebrated as Men’s and Women’s National Teams of the Year, while Al Ahly and TP Mazembe took home Clubs of the Year. Angola’s Mabululu won Goal of the Year for his breathtaking strike during AFCON 2023.

The ceremony not only honored individual brilliance but also highlighted CAF’s continued commitment to showcasing African football excellence at all levels.