Lookman, Banda Triumph in CAF Awards: List of Past Winners

Marrakesh, 

Wednesday, 17 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

The city of Marrakesh came alive last night as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) celebrated the best of the continent's football talent in a glittering ceremony. 

The 2024 CAF Awards were a showcase of excellence, talent, and history-making moments, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Zambia’s Barbra Banda crowned as the Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively.

This annual event continues to highlight the growth and global influence of African football, celebrating achievements across club and national competitions.

Lookman’s Historic Triumph

Ademola Lookman, 27, took home his first African Player of the Year award after an extraordinary season with Atalanta and the Nigerian national team. 

The Atalanta forward played a pivotal role in his club's historic triumph, netting a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen to secure their first European trophy. On the international stage, Lookman’s three goals powered Nigeria to a runner-up finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February.

Lookman’s performances were not just about goals but impact, earning him a spot in the tournament’s Best XI and a notable 14th-place finish on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist — the only African player to make the list.

He is now the second consecutive Nigerian to win the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. The back-to-back victories reaffirm Nigeria’s standing as a powerhouse in African football.

Barbra Banda: A Trailblazer for Zambia

In the women’s category, Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the Women’s Player of the Year award. 

The 24-year-old striker had a phenomenal year, leading Orlando Pride to their first-ever NWSL title and clinching the league’s MVP honors. 

Banda’s decisive goal in the championship final and her 17 strikes throughout the season cemented her status as a game-changer.

Her heroics extended to the international stage, where she became the highest-scoring African in Olympic history with 10 goals across two tournaments. At the Paris Olympics, her first-half hat-trick against Australia was one for the history books.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

The ceremony also honored Morocco’s role as a future co-host of the 2030 World Cup, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting Cameroonian President Paul Biya with an outstanding achievement award.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams had a remarkable night, picking up two trophies — Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. Other notable winners included Al Ahly as Men’s Club of the Year and TP Mazembe as Women’s Club of the Year.

The entertainment matched the occasion, with performances by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Moroccan singer Dystinct adding to the grandeur.

Looking Back: Past Decade of Men’s Winners

The Men’s Player of the Year award has a storied history, reflecting the ever-evolving dominance of African football talent on the global stage. Here's a look back at the past decade of winners:

2024: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

2023: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

2022: Sadio Mane (Senegal)

2021: Sadio Mane (Senegal)

2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19

2019: Sadio Mane (Senegal)

2018: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

2017: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

2016: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

2015: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

These players have not only inspired their nations but have also become icons of resilience and excellence in the global football arena.