CAF African Player of the Year Finalists: Mohamed Salah’s Exclusion Shocks Fans

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the finalists for the 2024 African Player of the Year award, sparking outrage and disappointment among fans as Mohamed Salah fails to make the cut.

The Egyptian superstar, who won the prestigious accolade in 2017 and 2018, has long been a symbol of excellence in African football.

Salah’s exclusion is particularly surprising given his stellar performances for Liverpool. During the 2023/24 season, Salah amassed 25 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances, playing a decisive role in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup triumph.

This season, his incredible form continues, with 16 goals and 12 assists in just 22 games, underscoring his unrivaled consistency and contribution to his team’s success.

However, despite these remarkable achievements, Salah did not secure a spot among the final five contenders. The shortlist features Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, and Ronwen Williams.

Analysts suggest Salah’s exclusion may be tied to Liverpool’s limited success in major competitions last season, apart from their Carabao Cup win, a factor often considered in award rankings.

Among the finalists, Ademola Lookman stood out by leading Atalanta to an unforgettable Europa League triumph, scoring a hat-trick in the final to clinch the club’s first European title.

Similarly, Simon Adingra delivered standout performances during the African Cup of Nations, elevating his profile on the international stage.

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy has emerged as a strong favorite to win the award.

The 27-year-old had a phenomenal 2023/24 season with Stuttgart, scoring 30 goals in 30 matches and propelling his team to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga.

His impact and consistency make him a frontrunner for the accolade.

Salah’s omission has reignited debates about the balance between individual brilliance and team achievements in determining award winners.

While Salah’s personal statistics are undeniable, the collective accomplishments of players like Lookman and Guirassy seem to have tilted the scales in their favor.

As the football world awaits the announcement of the winner, the controversy surrounding Salah’s absence from the shortlist continues to dominate discussions.

It’s a stark reminder of how subjective and complex the criteria for such prestigious awards can be, blending personal performance with team success.