The 2024 CAF Awards celebrate excellence in African football and, this year, took place at the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

The evening was marked by the recognition of talents who shone during the season, with highlights including Emerse Faé , elected Best Coach, Ademola Lookman , crowned Best Player, Cristóvão Mabululu , winner of Best Goal, and Chiamaka Nnadozie , distinguished as 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 recovery after a disappointing start in the group stage. Under Faé's leadership, Ivory Coast displayed unprecedented capabilities, overcoming formidable opponents to lift the trophy. The feat secured the 40-year-old coach a special place in the history of Ivorian and African football.

Before shining as 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 , and OGC Nice . His transition to coaching revealed a leader capable of inspiring and uniting his team in the most critical moments.

Emerse Faé beat out competition from Sébastien Desarbre , coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Hugo Broos , coach of South Africa, who finished fourth and third respectively in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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 plays for the Italian club Atalanta, was a key player in their UEFA Europa League victory , scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen , thus securing the Italian club's first European title in 61 years.

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

Lookman's distinction was also boosted by worldwide recognition, as he was the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or , where he finished in 14th position. 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.

At just 27 years old , Lookman has proven to be a dominant force in African and world football, surpassing rivals such as Serhou Guirassy , ​​Achraf Hakimi , Ronwen Williams and 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 of Al Ahly and Yassine Benzia of 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 the Super Falcons , Nnadozie also shone, being an essential piece in winning the Women's National Team of the Year award . Her ability to make decisive saves, combined with an impressive capacity for leadership, makes her a reference in African women's football.

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

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 women's category.

The teams from Al Ahly (Egypt) and TP Mazembe (DR Congo) were also elected Best Men's and Best Women's Club , respectively.

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).

The 2024 CAF Awards were a true celebration of African talent, with Emerse Faé , Ademola Lookman , Cristóvão Mabululu and Chiamaka Nnadozie 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.