Real Madrid star considered favorite to win African Player of the Year award - Reports
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has reportedly emerged as a frontrunner to be named the 2024 African Player of the Year award. The Morocco international switched allegiance from Spain to play for the Atlas Lions this year and has played four times for his country this year.
Former Manchester City man Diaz returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2023-24 after shining while on loan at AC Milan. The 24-year-old forward was an important player for Los Blancos, playing a supporting role for the European champions.
Brahim Diaz was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother, and he represented Spain until the U-21 level. The young forward played once for the senior side, in 2021, after Sergio Busquets tested positive for COVID and the entire U-21 squad was called up. He played and scored for La Roja in their 4-0 win over Lithuania in the friendly.
However, Diario AS have now named Diaz as a frontrunner to succeed Napoli star Victor Osimhen as the 2024 African Player of the Year. The Morocco international has appeared in two friendlies and two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup since switching allegiance.
Brahim Diaz enjoyed a solid 2023-24 season at club level, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 44 appearances across competitions for Real Madrid. He helped the side win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana at the end of the campaign.
Real Madrid star Diaz will compete for the award with a host of other players, including Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta man became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final when he scored thrice in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid star becomes youngest club owner in Europe
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has become the new owner of French Ligue 2 club SM Caen after purchasing a majority stake in the club. The French forward has spent a reported €15 million on the club, which contributed to his development, as per Marca.
Mbappe spent time on trial at Caen before eventually choosing to join AS Monaco in 2013, where he remained until he made his professional debut. The 25-year-old will hope for his new club to return to the top flight, having finished an encouraging sixth in the 2023-24 season in Ligue 2.
Caen also had N'Golo Kante on their books before the Frenchman exploded onto the scene after a move to Leicester City. With an 80% controlling stake in the club, Mbappe will be keen to see them produce more quality players and achieve success in the coming seasons.