Soccer
AI Predicts Ademola Lookman To Beat Mohamed Salah and Brahim Diaz To Win African FOTY
Louis is a Sports Editor specialising in football news and features. He graduated from the University of Derby in 2023 with a Bachelors Degree in Football Journalism and has produced content for Burton Albion and Chesterfield.
Get to know louisfargher betterPublished06 Aug 2024
After becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, Ademola Lookman is set to win the African Footballer of The Year – that’s according to AI.
The Nigerian international had a stellar campaign with Atalanta last season, which has led to the AI software at SportsCasting selecting Lookman to win the African FOTY.
- Ademola Lookman wins the African FOTY for first the first time in his career
- Brahim Diaz finishes second after switching allegiances from Spain to Morocco
- Premier League duo, Mohamed Salah and Mohammed Kudus feature in the top five candidates
- Victor Boniface in contention for the first time after double-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen
AI African Footballer Of The Year Predictions
1. Ademola Lookman – Atalanta/Nigeria
The Atalanta player made history after becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the Europa League final and win his first major trophy.
During the 2023/24 season, Lookman contributed to 27 goals in 45 games (all competitions) and is now one of the brightest prospects in Europe.
These performances have left him in contention to win the African FOTY, as the AI believes the 26-year-old will edge out the rest of his competitors.
2. Brahim Diaz – Real Madrid/Morocco
Coming in at second is Real Madrid midfielder, Brahim Diaz, who switched allegiances from Spain to Morocco in March 2024.
The Madridsta did not compete in the African Cup of Nations 2024, which has left some fans questioning his chances at winning the African FOTY – but reports have suggest Diaz will be in contention.
During 2023/24, the 25-year-old contributed to 21 goals in 44 appearances – averaging a goal contribution every 98 minutes.
His run for the African FOTY will be supported by Real Madrid’s success last season, as Diaz won the La Liga and Champions League double.
3. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool/Egypt
Mohamed Salah endured a difficult 2023/24 campaign, picking up a major injury during the AFCON group stages and after returning from this injury the Egyptian scored just four goals in 12 Premier League games.
Despite this, the 32-year-old ended the season with 39 goal contributions in 44 appearances (all competitions) and won the Carabao Cup with Liverpool.
Our AI software has predicted a third placed finish for the Egyptian superstar, as he looks to become the third player to win three African FOTY awards.
4. Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen/Nigeria
Only three players are handed final positions in the African FOTY nominations, however, the AI has picked Victor Boniface to be the first player to just miss out.
The Nigerian international had a superb debuting season in Germany, winning the league and cup double – while contributing with 31 G+A in all competitions.
However, the 23-year-old missed out on Nigeria’s final-reaching run in AFCON through injury and scored just one goal in his six appearances for the Super Eagles.
5. Mohammed Kudus – West Ham/Ghana
Finally, the AI believes Mohammed Kudus will be in contention for the African FOTY award after a strong opening season in England.
The Ghanaian international joined West Ham for £38 million in August 2023 and contributed to 20 goals in 40 appearances (14G+6A).
His nation were knocked out of the group stages in AFCON, however, the 24-year-old scored two goals in as many appearances for the Black Stars.
