The CAF Awards 2024 were marked by a surprising outcome when Ademola Lookman claimed the African Ballon d’Or, defeating Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who was widely expected to win.
Despite a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, Hakimi was edged out by Lookman, the Atalanta Bergamasca player.
The result sparked a wave of outrage across social media, with fans and experts alike questioning the decision and declaring it a “theft.”
Hakimi’s impressive achievements in 2024 included leading PSG to victory in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
His role as Morocco’s captain and his instrumental part in helping the team secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics made him one of the most celebrated African players of the year.
Yet, despite his outstanding performances, Hakimi could only settle for a place in the African Team of the Year, while Lookman, whose own performances had been strong with Atalanta, took home the African Ballon d’Or.
The decision left many fans disappointed, and social media quickly filled with messages questioning the result.
At the ceremony, the tension was palpable, with the audience expressing their frustration by chanting Hakimi’s name in a show of support for the PSG star.
In addition to the Ballon d’Or, other African sports figures were honored for their achievements. Alongside Hakim, Sofyan Amrabet featured in the men’s Africa Best XI of the year. Lamia Boumehdi was named winner of this year’s African Champions League with DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, won the Women’s Football Coach of the Year. Sanaâ Mssoudy, an AS FAR player, was crowned Interclub player of the year and AS FAR player Doha El Madani won the Women’s Young Player of the Year.
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