FIFA has announced the nominees for the ninth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards. For the first time, fans can vote for the men’s and women’s top 11 on FIFA’s official website.
Alongside fans, media representatives, former star players, and the captains and technical commissioners of all national teams will also cast their votes.
Several African players have been nominated, and below is a breakdown of their journey to earning such accolades:
1. Ademola Lookman
At the top of the list is Atalanta and Nigeria’s star, Ademola Lookman. Lookman’s meteoric rise has made him one of Atalanta’s standout players, earning him a spot in the Best Attacker nominees.
The Nigerian forward scored 11 goals and provided 7 assists in the league during the 2023/24 season, helping Atalanta secure a UEFA Champions League spot.
In the 2023/24 Europa League, his standout performance against an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side led Atalanta to their first silverware in 61 years. Lookman also became the first player to score a hat trick in the final of the Europa League.
2. Achraf Hakimi
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi is among the nominees for the Best Defender. Since joining PSG, Hakimi has solidified his position as one of the best full-backs in the world.
His nine goal contributions in 25 league matches for PSG in the 2023/24 season played a key role in securing their third consecutive Ligue 1 title.
In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, although Morocco had already secured qualification as hosts, Hakimi captained the team to win all six of their qualifying matches.
3. William Troost-Ekong
Nigerian center-back William Troost-Ekong is also in contention for Best Defender. The Super Eagles captain won the Greek Super League with his former club, PAOK. Currently playing for Al Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, Troost-Ekong has maintained his high level of performance.
As captain of the Super Eagles, he led Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly missed out on the trophy to Ivory Coast. He also played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s spot in the 2025 AFCON.
4. Ronwen Williams
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has had an incredible year. His heroic performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earned him ninth place in the Yashin Trophy category at the 2024 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first footballer playing in Africa to be nominated for the award.
Now nominated for Best Goalkeeper, the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has cemented his place among global football stars.
5. Yassine Bounou
For the third consecutive time, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been nominated for Best Goalkeeper. His debut season with Al Hilal was rewarded with a Saudi Pro League title.
Bounou was also a key member of the Moroccan national team that won all six matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
It has been an impressive showing from these players, who continue to represent Africa on the global football stage.
Voting will close on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Hopefully, these players will seize the opportunity to make history.
Watch Sports Check with John Laryea below:
FKA/EK
