The CAF Player of the Year award is the highest individual accolade in African football, recognizing the continent’s most outstanding players annually. Since its establishment, the award has been claimed by some of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game, showcasing skill, dominance, and leadership on both club and international levels.
From legendary goal scorers to midfield maestros and defensive stalwarts, these players have left a lasting mark on African and global football. In this article, we highlight the most decorated players in CAF Player of the Year history, detailing their achievements and their impact on the sport.
1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 4 Titles (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010)
Notable Achievements:
- Three-time UEFA Champions League winner (with Barcelona & Inter Milan).
- Led Cameroon to two AFCON victories (2000, 2002).
- Holds the record as AFCON’s all-time top scorer.
- Won league titles in Spain, Italy, and Turkey.
Eto’o’s brilliance in front of goal, combined with his relentless work ethic, made him one of Africa’s greatest football icons.
2. Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) – 4 Titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Notable Achievements:
- Played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League dominance.
- Captained Ivory Coast to AFCON glory in 2015.
- Dominated the midfield with his power, technique, and goal-scoring ability.
Touré’s influence on Manchester City’s transformation into a European powerhouse cemented his status as one of Africa’s all-time best midfielders.
3. Abedi Pelé (Ghana) – 3 Titles (1991, 1992, 1993)
Notable Achievements:
- Played a crucial role in Marseille’s 1993 UEFA Champions League triumph.
- Led Ghana to AFCON success in 1982.
- One of Africa’s most skillful playmakers, renowned for his dribbling and vision.
Abedi Pelé’s influence extended beyond his playing days, inspiring future generations of Ghanaian footballers.
4. George Weah (Liberia) – 3 Titles (1989, 1994, 1995)
Notable Achievements:
- The only African player to win the Ballon d’Or (1995).
- Starred for top European clubs, including AC Milan, PSG, and Chelsea.
- Recognized for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess.
Weah’s legacy transcends football—he later became President of Liberia, showcasing his leadership off the field.
5. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – 2 Titles (2006, 2009)
Notable Achievements:
- Led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2012.
- Guided Ivory Coast to multiple AFCON finals.
- A Premier League legend with multiple domestic titles.
Drogba’s ability to rise in crucial moments made him one of the most clutch players in football history.
6. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 2 Titles (2017, 2018)
Notable Achievements:
- Key figure in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League victories.
- Set multiple Premier League scoring records.
- Led Egypt to AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021.
Salah remains one of Africa’s biggest stars, consistently performing at the highest level.
7. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – 2 Titles (2019, 2022)
Notable Achievements:
- Helped Liverpool win the Champions League (2019).
- Led Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title in 2021.
- Consistently ranked among the world’s top players.
Mané’s work rate, versatility, and leadership have made him one of the most beloved African players of all time.
Conclusion
The CAF Player of the Year award has honored Africa’s most extraordinary footballers for decades. Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and George Weah stand out as dominant figures in the award’s history, with newer stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané continuing to elevate African football’s global status.
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With emerging talents such as Victor Osimhen , Ademola Lookman and Achraf Hakimi, African football is set for an exciting future. Who will be the next African superstar to dominate this prestigious award?
