As the prestigious 2024 African Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, Emerse Faé, coach of Ivory Coast’s national football team, has made his prediction for the coveted title of Africa’s best player of the year.
The highly anticipated event, scheduled for this Monday in Marrakech, will bring together the continent’s football elite.
One of the five finalists for the title is Simon Adingra, a standout player for both the Ivory Coast and his club side, who won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations under Faé’s guidance.
Despite Adingra’s impressive achievements, Faé surprised many by not selecting his own player as his top pick.
While Adingra’s remarkable performance has earned him a spot among the finalists, Faé has instead chosen to back Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
Lookman, who plays for Serie A side Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, has had a stellar season, which Faé believes makes him a deserving winner.
In an interview leading up to the award ceremony, Faé candidly shared his thoughts, saying, “I wish it was Simon Adingra because he is my player, but honestly, Ademola Lookman deserves it.
His comments underline the high regard in which Lookman is held within the African football community, despite the strong competition from other finalists.
Along with Adingra and Lookman, the other players competing for the prestigious title include Guinean Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund and Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain.
Each has had an outstanding season, contributing significantly to their respective clubs, making this year’s competition for the Ballon d’Or particularly fierce.
The ceremony in Marrakech will not only crown the top individual player of the year but also celebrate the broader accomplishments of African football.
🇨🇮🗣️Emerse Fae a désigné son favori pour le Ballon d’Or africain :
« J’aurais aimé que ce soit Simon Adingra parce que c’est mon joueur mais honnêtement Ademola Lookman le mérite amplement. »
🤔Vous partagez son avis ?#sna #Football #Cafawards2024 pic.twitter.com/GTSLAfaynK
— Sport News Africa (@snewsafrica) December 16, 2024
The gathering of top footballing figures is set to highlight the growing impact of African players on the global stage, with players like Hakimi, Lookman, and Adingra leading the charge in their respective leagues.
Despite his loyalty to Adingra, Faé’s praise for Lookman showcases the high level of competition among the continent’s footballing elite, making the race for the 2024 African Ballon d’Or one of the most exciting in recent years.
