The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has crowned its most outstanding performers for nearly seven decades. The prestigious Best Player award, given to the tournament's most valuable individual, tells the story of African football's evolution through its legendary winners.
The Complete Roll Call of AFCON Greats
The honour roll begins at the very first tournament in 1957, where Egyptian forward Mohamed 'Ad-Diba' Al Attar made history as the inaugural winner. His compatriot, Mahmoud El Gohary, followed suit in 1959. The 1960s saw the award spread across the continent with winners from Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Congo-Kinshasa), including the iconic Laurent Pokou of Ivory Coast in 1970.
Nigeria's first winner emerged in 1980, when the formidable defender and captain Christian Chukwu led the Super Eagles to their first AFCON title on home soil and claimed the individual prize. This set the stage for more Nigerian glory with the legendary striker Rashidi Yekini winning in 1994 and the magisterial Jay-Jay Okocha securing the award a decade later in 2004.
Modern Era Champions and Recent Triumphs
The new millennium has seen the award go to some of Africa's biggest global stars. Cameroon's indomitable defender Rigobert Song won in 2002, while Egypt's Ahmed Hassan is the only player to have won the award twice in the 21st century (2006 and 2010). In a memorable 2013 victory, Burkina Faso's Jonathan Pitroipa was named best player.
The most recent editions have celebrated modern icons. Senegal's Sadio Mané received the honour after leading his nation to victory in the 2022 final. Most recently, at the 2024 tournament in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria's inspirational captain William Troost-Ekong defied expectations. Despite the Super Eagles finishing as runners-up, his commanding defensive performances and crucial goals earned him the Best Player award, becoming the fourth Nigerian to achieve this feat.
A Legacy of Continental Excellence
This list is more than just names; it is a chronicle of African football heritage. From the pioneers of the 1950s to the global superstars of today, each winner has left an indelible mark on the continent's most beloved sporting competition. The award highlights how different nations have risen to prominence in different eras, from Egypt's early dominance to the successes of Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
The achievement of William Troost-Ekong in 2024 continues Nigeria's strong representation in this elite group. It serves as a powerful reminder of the Super Eagles' enduring quality and their ability to produce players who shine on the grandest African stage. As AFCON continues to grow in stature, this award will remain the ultimate individual accolade for any player competing in the tournament.
