Moroccan international Ayoub El Kaabi did not hide his astonishment following his non-selection among the nominees for the 2024 African Ballon d'Or.
While the CAF Awards 2024 brought their share of disappointments – but also controversies – the center forward Moroccan Ayoub El Kaabi expressed his incomprehension for not having been selected among theThe 10 nominated for the title of African Player of the Yearbetter known as the African Ballon d'Or.
A feeling delivered in the show Talents from Africa on Canal+ Sport Africaand legitimate in many respects. Because the Lion of the Atlas (31 years old, 52 caps, 26 goals) is currently the top African scorer in Europe over the calendar year with 35 goals. He is 10 points ahead of his first pursuer, the Egyptian Mohamed Salah, sparkling in this first part of the season with Liverpool.
“I was surprised”
But that's not all. The former RS Berkane and Wydad Casablanca striker caused a sensation last season by scoring the only goal in the Europa Conference League final, allowing Olympiakos to add their first European trophy to their record.
“I'm not going to lie, I worked hard to be among the top 10 African players. This is not the case, I will continue to train hard. I was surprised, like a lot of people, not to be on the list because I had a very good season, but it's their choice. »
Besides El Kaabi, several African stars have been snubbed in the list for the African Ballon d'Or. We think in particular of Mo Salah, his national team partner Brahim Diaz, or the prolific Gabonese with OM last season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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