The 2023/24 season was remarkable for African players, especially those excelling in European leagues.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, faced challenges in maintaining his previous season’s form. However, Victor Boniface emerged as a standout player in the Bundesliga.
Boniface, along with several other players, is a top contender for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.
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African players have made significant impacts this season, particularly in Germany. Victor Boniface has shone brightly, but Serhou Guirassy has also delivered outstanding performances for Stuttgart, quietly becoming one of the season’s stars.
Osimhen, after an incredible 2022/23 season, struggled to defend his title. His team, Napoli, had a disappointing campaign, finishing 10th in the league with three different coaches throughout the season. Osimhen managed to score 17 goals in 32 matches, a decline from his 31-goal tally in their title-winning season.
Who are the leading contenders for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year?
Contenders for the African Footballer of the Year:
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian forward had another solid season with Liverpool. Despite the team falling short in the Premier League, Salah scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists in 44 matches. A two-time winner of the award in 2017 and 2018, Salah remains a strong contender.
Serhou Guirassy
The Guinean striker had an exceptional 2023/24 season with Stuttgart, scoring 28 goals in the Bundesliga and 30 across all competitions. Only Harry Kane of Bayern Munich scored more goals than Guirassy in the league. His performances were instrumental in Stuttgart finishing second, ahead of Bayern Munich. He recently moved to Borussia Dortmund.
Victor Boniface
Boniface had an impressive debut season with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Despite an injury-riddled season, he scored 21 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 matches. His contributions helped Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title without a single defeat. Boniface also won the German Cup.
Ademola Lookman
The Nigerian forward had a standout season for both club and country, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists. Lookman notably scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen and played key roles in several decisive matches. His stellar performances in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and his consistent form have linked him with moves to top European clubs. Scoring a hat-trick in a European Cup final could be a game-changer for his candidacy for the award.