Jay Jay Okocha and 7 Other African Legends Who Have Never Won African Player of the Year

The CAF African Player of the Year award is the highest individual honor in African football. It’s an award that serves as a recognition reserved for the continent’s most outstanding talents.

While legendary names like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and Nwankwo Kanu have proudly claimed this title, several iconic players never got their hands on this prestigious accolade.

This may come as a surprise to many fans, considering how influential these players were for both club and country.

Here's a look at the top African players who have never won the African Player of the Year Award, despite their remarkable achievements and undeniable impact.

Ghana's all-time leading goal scorer, Asamoah Gyan, also holds the record as Africa's top scorer in World Cup history. His performances in multiple World Cups and AFCON tournaments showcased his consistency.

However, he wasn't able to clinch the African Player of the Year award. His best outing was finishing second behind Samuel Eto'o in 2010.

Considering his role and impact in Egyptian football, it’s surprising that Aboutrika has never won the most coveted individual award for African players. The attacking midfielder was key in Egypt's AFCON victories in 2006 and 2008.

The Egyptian superstar achieved great success with Al Ahly, where he is considered a legend. He was exceptional at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan and was nominated as the best player of the tournament.

Although Mohamed Aboutrika won the 2008 BBC African Footballer of the Year, he lost the CAF award to former Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor.

Benni McCarthy is South Africa's all-time leading goal scorer and one of the greatest footballers to come out of the country. At the club level, he won the 2004 UEFA Champions League with FC Porto.

With his skills and accomplishments, it’s expected that he has won the prestigious African individual award, even once. But the Bafana Bafana legend never made the final shortlist for the CAF award in his career.

One of Africa's finest midfielders, Mikel Obi, is one of the most decorated Nigerian players of all time. The former Super Eagles midfielder was pivotal for both the Nigerian national team and his clubs, notably Chelsea in England.

Mikel was shortlisted for the CAF award in 2013, after winning the AFCON with the Super Eagles and the UEFA Europa League with Chelsea. However, these achievements weren’t enough to earn him the award as he finished second behind Yaya Toure that year.

Essien was a midfield powerhouse and a formidable player for both Ghana and Chelsea. The Black Star legend won multiple trophies with Chelsea and was even voted the club’s player of the year in 2007. However, he wasn’t lucky enough to win the African best player award even once. 

Michael Essien’s best shot at the award was finishing second behind Frederic Kanoute (Mali) in 2007, despite being nominated five consecutive times.

Although the dogged defensive midfielder didn’t win any trophy with the Ghanaian national team, he played a significant role that helped the team finish in second place at the 2010 AFCON competition. 

A defensive stalwart, Rigobert Song is a revered figure in Cameroonian football. He represented his country in four World Cups and led the Indomitable Lions to win AFCON titles in 2000 and 2002.

His consistent performances at the highest level make his omission from the African best player award winners' list surprising. He was even the tournament’s best player at the AFCON 2002. Yet, he wasn’t even in the top three of the CAF award that year.

Samuel Kuffour enjoyed a decorated club career at  Bayern Munich, where he won 17 trophies with the Bavarians. The Ghanaian superstar was a very key player for the German side, such that he was nominated for the 2001 Ballon d'Or.

Despite Kuffour’s consistent performances, he wasn’t able to clinch the CAF award during his time. He was runner-up for the award twice, to Nwankwo Kanu in 1999 and El-Hadji Diouf in 2001.

Famous for his tricks, flair, techniques, and dribbling abilities, Jay Jay Okocha is regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian players by most football fans. The Super Eagles legend was the heartbeat of Nigeria's midfield during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Okocha had an incredible international career as he won the 1996 Olympics gold medal and the AFCON in 1994. He also represented Nigeria at three World Cups in 1994, 1998, and 2002. Despite his influence, he never secured the CAF award.

In 2004, Jay Jay finished second in the CAF award behind Samuel Eto’o, even after being the joint top scorer and the tournament's best player at the AFCON that year. 

These African legends have left indelible marks on African football through their skills, dedication, and passion. While the CAF Player of the Year award eluded them, their legacies are undeniable. They also continue to inspire future generations of African footballers.