Top 10 CAF Awards Winners of All Time

The CAF Awards is an annual event organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to honor the continent’s finest football talents. Since its inception, many legendary African footballers have claimed the prestigious African Player of the Year title. This highlights the top 10 CAF Awards winners of all time, showcasing their contributions and records. 

1. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) 

Number of Wins: 4
Years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010 

Samuel Eto’o is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers in history. The Cameroonian striker dominated the CAF Awards, winning the African Player of the Year title four times. Known for his pace, clinical finishing, and leadership, Eto'o shone for top European clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, as well as his national team, Cameroon. 

2. Yaya Touré (Côte d'Ivoire) 

Number of Wins: 4
Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 

Yaya Touré is another African giant who claimed the CAF Player of the Year award four consecutive times. The Ivorian midfielder was known for his versatility, strength, and remarkable ability to control games. Touré’s achievements at Manchester City and his contributions to Côte d'Ivoire’s national team cemented his place in history. 

3. Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) 

Number of Wins: 2
Years: 1996, 1999 

Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu is remembered for his technical brilliance and composure. Winning the CAF award twice, Kanu played a pivotal role for clubs like Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Ajax, as well as for the Nigerian Super Eagles, particularly during the 1996 Olympics. 

4. El Hadji Diouf (Senegal) 

Number of Wins: 2
Years: 2001, 2002 

Senegalese forward El Hadji Diouf won back-to-back CAF Player of the Year awards. Known for his aggressive style and confidence, Diouf’s standout performances for Senegal during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and his club career in England brought him into the spotlight. 

5. Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire) 

Number of Wins: 2
Years: 2006, 2009 

Didier Drogba is a household name in African and global football. The Ivorian striker won the CAF Player of the Year award twice, excelling with Chelsea FC, where he led the team to multiple domestic and European titles. Drogba’s physicality and leadership were unmatched. 

6. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) 

Number of Wins: 2
Years: 2017, 2018 

Mohamed Salah, nicknamed "The Egyptian King," became a two-time CAF winner with his incredible form for Liverpool FC and the Egyptian national team. Salah’s speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities continue to inspire millions across the continent. 

7. Sadio Mané (Senegal) 

Number of Wins: 2
Years: 2019, 2022 

Senegalese forward Sadio Mané joins the elite list with two CAF awards. Mané’s remarkable achievements for Liverpool FC and his instrumental role in Senegal’s AFCON 2022 victory solidified his place among Africa’s finest players. 

8. Abedi Pele (Ghana) 

Number of Wins: 3
Years: 1992, 1993, 1994 

Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele dominated the early years of the CAF Awards, winning three consecutive titles. As a playmaker for Olympique Marseille, Pele’s vision, dribbling, and leadership made him one of Africa’s football pioneers. 

9. George Weah (Liberia) 

Number of Wins: 1
Year: 1995 

Liberia’s George Weah remains the only African player to win the Ballon d'Or (1995). Though he won the CAF award only once, his incredible achievements with AC Milan and impact on African football are legendary. Today, Weah serves as a symbol of African excellence. 

10. Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) 

Number of Wins: 1
Year: 1993 

Rashidi Yekini, one of Nigeria’s greatest strikers, won the CAF Player of the Year award in 1993. Yekini’s memorable performances, particularly in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, showcased his goal-scoring prowess and enduring legacy in Nigerian football. 

The CAF Awards celebrate the best of African football, and the players listed above have etched their names into history with their incredible contributions to the sport. From Samuel Eto'o’s dominance to George Weah’s groundbreaking achievements, these legends continue to inspire future generations of African footballers.