CAF Awards 2024: A Surprising List of Finalists for African Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released its list of finalists for the coveted African Player of the Year 2024 award. This year, the announcement was met with both excitement and controversy, as several high-profile players, including Mohamed Salah, Mohammed Kudus, Brahim Díaz, Victor Boniface, and Nico Jackson, were notably absent from the final shortlist.

The exclusion of these stars has sparked discussions, but the list that remains is no less remarkable. The finalists include an impressive lineup of top-performing African talents who have consistently demonstrated their skills and leadership on both club and international stages.

The CAF has honored 11 footballers who have made an indelible impact in 2024. These finalists represent the best of African football and include:

• Amine Gouiri (Stade Rennais, France): Gouiri has been a revelation for both his club and country. The striker, who represents Algeria, has showcased his ability to lead the line with clinical finishing, making him a standout performer in Ligue 1.

• Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany): The towering Burkinabé defender has been a rock at the back for his club, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s successful season, which saw them competing at the highest level in European competitions.

• Simon Adingra (Brighton & Hove Albion, England): The young Ivorian winger has emerged as one of the breakout stars in the Premier League. His pace, dribbling, and eye for goal have made him a fan favorite at Brighton.

• Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille, France): A seasoned defender, Mbemba has been a key player for Marseille, bringing leadership and stability to their backline. His performances for the Democratic Republic of Congo have also been highly commendable.

• Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart, Germany): The Guinean striker has been on fire in the Bundesliga, scoring goals at an incredible rate. His clinical finishing has helped propel Stuttgart to new heights this season.

• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, France): Hakimi, who represents Morocco, continues to be one of the best right-backs in the world. His combination of defensive solidity and attacking prowess makes him a constant threat on the field.

• Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, UAE): Rahimi’s performances in the UAE Pro League have been exceptional. The Moroccan forward has consistently contributed goals and assists, playing a vital role in Al Ain’s success.

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy): Lookman, now representing Nigeria, has made a name for himself in Serie A. His versatility in attack, combined with his creative playmaking, has made him a standout for Atalanta this season.

• William Troost-Ekong (PAOK, Greece): The Nigerian center-back has been a key figure in PAOK’s defensive unit. His leadership qualities, coupled with his defensive acumen, have been crucial to the Greek side’s campaign.

• Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa): The South African goalkeeper has been outstanding for Mamelodi Sundowns, leading the team to multiple domestic titles while also performing well in continental competitions.

Each of these players has shown exceptional ability in their respective positions, representing their clubs and countries with distinction. This list highlights the diversity of African talent across Europe, Asia, and Africa, showcasing the continent's strength across various football leagues.

The Shocking Exclusions
Perhaps the biggest talking point from this year’s nominations is the omission of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, a global footballing icon and Liverpool’s talisman, has been consistently brilliant over the past few years. Salah's exclusion from the list has sparked widespread surprise, given his impact in the Premier League and his contributions to Egypt’s national team. His goalscoring exploits and leadership have been central to Liverpool’s recent campaigns, yet he finds himself outside of the CAF finalists​.


Another notable absentee is Mohammed Kudus, the Ghanaian starlet who has been a rising sensation in European football. Kudus’ versatility and technical brilliance for both West Ham United and the Ghanaian national team made him one of the most talked-about African players of 2024. His exclusion from the final list is also seen as surprising.
Brahim Díaz, who recently switched his allegiance from Spain to Morocco, was another high-profile player left out. Having impressed in Serie A with AC Milan before moving to Real Madrid, his exclusion was unexpected, especially given the excitement around his potential to enhance Morocco’s attacking prowess​.

The absence of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, who has had a breakout season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, also raised eyebrows. Boniface’s ability to find the back of the net consistently for his club has made him one of the top African forwards in Europe. Similarly, Nico Jackson of Chelsea, who had a solid start to life in the Premier League, was also left out, despite his promising performances.

Why These Finalists Deserve Their Spot
While the omissions have drawn attention, the players who made the cut have earned their places through consistent excellence. Amine Gouiri, for instance, has been one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Ligue 1, displaying maturity beyond his years. His ability to create and finish opportunities has elevated Stade Rennais, and his future looks incredibly bright.

Chancel Mbemba and Edmond Tapsoba have emerged as two of the top defenders from Africa, excelling in Europe’s top leagues. Their performances at club and international levels have been instrumental in their teams’ successes. For Tapsoba, his leadership at Bayer Leverkusen has helped guide the team through a challenging Bundesliga season .

Achraf Hakimi’s inclusion comes as no surprise. His consistent performances for Paris Saint-Germain, both domestically and in Europe, have solidified his reputation as one of the best full-backs in the world. His role in Morocco’s historic World Cup campaign in 2022 also keeps him in the spotlight as one of the continent’s most valuable players .

Serhou Guirassy’s goal-scoring feats for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga cannot be ignored. With the Bundesliga golden boot in his sights, Guirassy has been one of the standout performers in European football this year . Similarly, Simon Adingra’s dazzling displays for Brighton & Hove Albion have seen him rise to prominence in the Premier League, one of the toughest leagues in the world.

Conclusion
The 2024 CAF Awards shortlist underscores the dynamic talent pool within African football. While there are undoubtedly some surprising omissions, the players who have made the final cut have consistently performed at an elite level. The future of African football looks incredibly bright, with these stars representing their continent across various leagues and competitions around the globe.
As the countdown to the CAF Awards continues, the debate over who should claim the title of African Player of the Year will rage on. But one thing is certain: African football is blessed with a wealth of talent that continues to influence the global game in ways that demand respect and recognition.