Moroccan media release strong statement after CAF names Lookman Player of the Year over Hakimi

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the 2024 Player of the Year (POTY) to Ademola Lookman, sparking significant backlash, particularly from Moroccan media.

Lookman triumphed over local favourite Achraf Hakimi and other nominees, despite earlier reports suggesting Hakimi would win.

Moroccan outlets, including Al-Mountakhab, expressed their displeasure, claiming, "For the second time in Africa, the Golden Ball has been stolen from Morocco’s Lions."

The newspaper accused CAF's technical committee of "stealing, improvising, and operating randomly," criticizing the decision for the second consecutive year.

Al-Oumk similarly stated, "Contrary to expectations… Nigerian Lookman snatches the 2024 African Golden Ball." Hakimi, who had expressed hopes of winning, has not publicly addressed the mounting criticism of CAF's choice.