As the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award approaches, anticipation is high across the African continent and beyond.
The 2024 edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with some of the continent’s top footballers vying for the coveted title.
With stars like Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah having stellar seasons, many fans had them in mind as potential winners.
Others speculated that experienced players like Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi could make the final list.
However, CAF has now narrowed it down to the final three players: Nigeria’s Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman, and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
So, who will be crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year? Let’s take a closer look at their standout seasons and what makes each player a strong contender.
1. Victor Boniface – Nigeria & Bayer Leverkusen
Few players in Africa, let alone Europe, have had as impactful a season as Nigeria’s Victor Boniface. The 23-year-old forward has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen, playing a pivotal role in their march to the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup.
Boniface’s debut season at Bayer was nothing short of spectacular, netting 14 goals in the league and 21 in all competitions—a remarkable feat, especially given the fact that he was sidelined for part of the season due to injury.
His ability to combine physicality, technique, and intelligent movement has made him a formidable opponent for defenders across Europe.
Boniface himself is confident about his chances of winning the CAF Player of the Year award. In an interview with Sporty TV, he said, “Probably between me and Lookman. I will go for myself as the African Footballer of the Year, I rate myself that high.”
A victory for Boniface would mark a fitting end to a remarkable season.
2. Brahim Diaz – Morocco & Real Madrid
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz is another player who has had a breakout year on the continental stage. After switching international allegiance from Spain, Diaz has solidified himself as one of Morocco’s key players.
Returning to Real Madrid for the 2023/24 season, Diaz made an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists across 44 appearances. His efforts helped Real Madrid secure the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
Although Diaz faces stiff competition, his rise on the African football scene has been nothing short of remarkable. Having represented Spain at youth levels, his decision to play for Morocco has given him a chance to compete for CAF’s top individual honor.
Winning the CAF Player of the Year award in his first year as a Moroccan international would be an incredible feat, though he may be considered the underdog against the more seasoned Nigerian contenders.
3. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria & Real Madrid
When it comes to accolades and standout performances, few can match what Ademola Lookman has accomplished this year. The Atalanta winger had a sensational 2023/2024 season, leading his club to Europa League glory.
In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman made history by becoming the first player since 1969 to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final.
His consistent brilliance earned him Atalanta’s Player of the Year award, a Ballon d’Or nomination, and a place in the Europa League Team of the Season.
Lookman’s incredible form didn’t stop there. He became the first Atalanta player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, further cementing his status as one of Europe’s top talents. In addition, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive AFCON campaign, where he finished as the Super Eagles’ joint-top scorer and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
At 26, Lookman is at the peak of his career and has been named Atalanta’s Player of the Year. His combination of club and international success makes him the clear frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award. As many pundits have pointed out, it would be a massive surprise if anyone were to beat Lookman to the crown.
Who Will Win?
While all three players—Boniface, Diaz, and Lookman—have had outstanding seasons, the award is likely to come down to Boniface and Lookman, both of whom have enjoyed incredible success for club and country. Boniface’s goal-scoring exploits and his multiple silverware with Bayer Leverkusen make him a serious contender. However, Lookman’s extraordinary achievements, including his Europa League heroics and Ballon d’Or nomination, give him the edge.
For iLOTBET users, this is the perfect time to get in on the action. Whether you’re backing Boniface, Diaz, or Lookman, you can place your bets with us today and stay tuned for CAF’s final decision.
Who do you think will take home the award? Register now on iLOTBET and make your predictions!
