Os CAF Awards 2024 celebrate the excellence of African football and this year took place at the prestigious Congress Palace located in the city of Marrakesh, Morocco.

The night was marked by the recognition of talents that shone during the season, with highlights for Faé emerged, elected Best Coach, Ademola Lookman, crowned the Best Player, Christopher Mabululu, winner of the Best Goal and Chiamaka Repair, distinguished as the Best Female Goalkeeper.

This edition of the event, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), featured memorable moments that highlighted the quality, dedication, and professionalism of African athletes. From interclub competitions to the performances of national teams, the ceremony brought together some of football's most iconic figures in a celebration that showcased African talent at the highest level.

This annual event recognizes the efforts of athletes, coaches, and teams who, throughout the year, have left their mark on African and international football and attracted the attention of the world. The ceremony was also enriched with special tributes and cultural performances that added to the event's brilliance.

The Ivorian coach Faé emerged was elected Best Coach at the 2024 CAF Awards, a well-deserved recognition after an extraordinary journey with the Ivory Coast national team in African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023. Faé took over as interim coach after the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset and transformed the fate of the “Elephants”, leading them to win the continental title.

This achievement was marked by a remarkable comeback after a disappointing start to the group stage. Under Faé's leadership, Ivory Coast demonstrated unprecedented capabilities, overcoming tough opponents to lift the trophy. This feat guaranteed the coach 40 years a special place in the history of Ivorian and African football.

Before becoming a coach, Faé was a respected figure on the pitch. He represented the Ivory Coast national team. 44 times between 2005 and 2012 and played for clubs such as FC Nantes, Reading FC e OGC NiceHis transition to the role of coach revealed a leader capable of inspiring and uniting his team in the most critical moments.

Faé emerged outperformed the competition from Sébastien Desarbre, coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Hugo Broos, coach of South Africa who finished fourth and third respectively at CAN 2023.

The victory of Ademola Lookman , the African Footballer of the Year, It didn't surprise either analysts or football fans. The Nigerian forward had a historic 2023-2024 season, both at club and international level.

Lookman, who represents the Italian club Atalanta, was a key player in winning the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a memorable hat trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, thus guaranteeing the Italian club its first European title in 61 years.

In addition to his success at club level, Lookman's performance in the CAN 2023 was equally remarkable. The forward contributed three goals, helping Nigeria reach the tournament final, and his consistency throughout the competition earned him a place in the Tournament Team.

Lookman's distinction was also boosted by worldwide recognition, as he was the only African player named to the list of Ballon d'Or 2024, where he finished 14th. For many experts, this achievement symbolizes the return of African players to the top of international football, representing a source of inspiration for future generations.

With just 27 years, Lookman has proven to be a dominant force in African and world football, outperforming rivals such as Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams e Simon Adingra.

The Angolan forward Christopher Mabululu won the award for Best Goal of the Year, a recognition decided by 70% of the fans' votes e 30% of CAF experts. The winning goal, scored against Namibia in the CAN 2023, stood out for its technical execution and beauty.

Mabululu's goal, scored at a crucial moment, involved a precise and strategically placed shot that left fans and experts in awe of the player's quality.

Mabululu received an impressive total of 121.192 votes, surpassing competitors such as Wassam Abou Ali, from Al Ahly, and Yassine benzia, from Algeria. This award brought pride to Angola, highlighting the country's emerging talent in continental football.

The Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Repair once again demonstrated her supremacy by being elected Best Women's Goalkeeper for the second year in a row. Nnadozie who represents the Paris FC , had an exemplary season, helping his club reach a prominent place in the French league.

With Super Falcons, Nnadozie also shone, being an essential piece in winning the award Best Women's Team of the YearHer ability to make decisive saves, combined with her impressive leadership skills, makes her a reference in African women's football.

Nnadozie's award was even more significant considering the strong competition from Khadija Er-Rmichi, from Morocco and Andile Dlamini, from South Africa. Her consistency and technical quality reaffirm the importance of African women players in world football.

Listen, other names that shone in the CAF Awards 2024, among them, that of Barbra Gang, Zambian forward, after a brilliant season with Orlando Pride and a historic performance at the Paris Olympic Games, made history by being elected African Women's Player of the Year, becoming the first Zambian athlete to win the award.

Ronwen Williams, from South Africa, won the awards for Best Male Goalkeeper and Best Male Interclub Player. Lamine Camara, from Senegal, was named Best Young Male Player, while Doha El Madani, from Morocco, won in the female category.

The teams of Al Ahly (Egypt) and the TP Mazembe (DR Congo) were also elected the Best Men's Club e Femalerespectively.

Player of the Year (male): Ademola lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta). Player of the Year (Women): Barbra band (Zambia / Orlando Pride). Goalkeeper of the Year (masculine): Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns). Goalkeeper of the Year (female): Chiamaka nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC). Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns). Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Sanaâ mssoudy (Morocco / —). Young Player of the Year (Men): Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco). Young Player of the Year (Women): Doha El Madani (Morocco / —). Coach of the Year (Men): Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast). Coach of the Year (Women): Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe). National Team of the Year (Men): Ivory Coast. National Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria. Club of the Year (Men's): Al Ahly (Egypt). Club of the Year (Women): TP Mazembe (DRC). Referee of the Year (Male): Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya). Referee of the Year (Female): Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco). Assistant Referee of the Year (Male): Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon). Assistant referee of the year (feminine): Diana Chikotesha (Zambia). Goal of the year: Christopher Mabululu (Angola).

Os CAF Awards 2024 were a true celebration of African talent, with Faé emerged, Ademola Lookman, Christopher Mabululu e Chiamaka Repair shining as the main figures of the night. The excellence demonstrated by these athletes elevates African football and highlights the potential and competitiveness that characterize the continent.

This year's event was a testament to the progress of African football and its positive impact globally. The awards reinforce the rise and impact of African football, demonstrating that Africa continues to produce inexhaustible talent, inspiring new generations of athletes to believe in their dreams.