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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final nominees for the 2024 African Player of the Year Award, celebrating the continent’s top footballers who have excelled in both domestic and international competitions.
Finalists for African Player of the Year
Ronwen Williams (South Africa) – Mamelodi Sundowns
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) – Brighton & Hove Albion
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – Borussia Dortmund
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Paris Saint-Germain
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Atalanta
Notable Highlights
Ronwen Williams is the only player among the finalists currently representing an African club, Mamelodi Sundowns. He also stands out as the only goalkeeper on the list, underlining his exceptional contributions in African football.
The Mohamed Salah & Victor Osimhen Absence
One of the most surprising omissions this year was Mohamed Salah, who did not feature even on the initial shortlist.
The Egyptian forward, who won the award twice (2017, 2018), has been a consistent presence in recent years, making his absence a notable talking point.
Alongside Salah, Victor Osimhen (2023 winner) was also absent.
The Nigerian striker, who led Napoli to the Serie A title, has been a standout player in European football but did not make the final cut, signaling a possible shift in the balance of power in African football.
Emerging Stars and Strong Competition
While established stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané have dominated the award in recent years, the 2024 shortlist features a fresh set of contenders. Ronwen Williams (South Africa), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), and Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) represent the new wave of African talent.
These players have made a significant impact in European leagues, with Guirassy standing out for his performances with Borussia Dortmund and Adingra excelling at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The winner will be announced during the 2024 CAF Awards Ceremony, taking place on December 16, 2024 in Marrakesh, Morocco.
This diverse set of finalists for the 2024 African Player of the Year reflects the evolving landscape of African football, where players from all corners of the continent, and from both domestic and international clubs, are being recognized.
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