What Is 1987 African Footballer of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 African Footballer of the Year was Rabah Madjer of Algeria, who won the award after leading Porto to victory in the 1987 European Cup and scoring a famous backheel goal in the final. This made him the first Algerian and first North African to win the prestigious award.

Key Facts

Rabah Madjer won the 1987 African Footballer of the Year award.
He became the first Algerian player to win the honor.
Madjer scored a crucial backheel goal in the 1987 European Cup Final.
He played for FC Porto during the award-winning season.
The award was decided by votes from African sports journalists.

Overview

The 1987 African Footballer of the Year award marked a historic moment in African football, as Rabah Madjer of Algeria became the first player from his nation to claim the prestigious honor. His standout performance on the European stage, particularly in the 1987 European Cup Final, elevated his status and solidified his legacy across the continent.

The award, organized by France Football magazine in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recognized the best African player based on performances during the calendar year. In 1987, Madjer’s blend of technical brilliance, leadership, and international success made him the clear choice among African journalists voting for the winner.

Term: Rabah Madjer was officially named the 1987 African Footballer of the Year in December 1987 following a season of exceptional performances.
Nationality: Madjer became the first Algerian to win the award, breaking a streak dominated by West African players in previous years.
Club Performance: He led FC Porto to win the 1987 European Cup, scoring a famous backheel goal in the 2–1 victory over Bayern Munich.
Voting Body: The winner was determined by votes from sports journalists across African nations, each submitting rankings of their top three players.
Historic Impact: Madjer’s win highlighted the rising influence of North African players in continental football recognition.

How It Works

The African Footballer of the Year award was modeled after the Ballon d'Or and aimed to spotlight the continent's top talent based on annual performances.

Term: The award was established in 1992 by the Confederation of African Football, but prior to that, France Football magazine conducted a similar vote from 1970 to 1994.
Eligibility: Only African nationals playing for clubs anywhere in the world were eligible for consideration each calendar year.
Voting Process: Journalists from CAF member nations submitted ballots ranking their top three choices, with points assigned accordingly (5-3-1).
Deadline: Performances were evaluated from January to December, with the winner announced in December or early January.
Criteria: Players were judged on skill, consistency, team achievements, and influence on matches during the year.
Prize: The winner received a trophy and international recognition, though no monetary award was attached to the honor.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 award stood out due to Madjer’s unprecedented European success compared to other contenders.

Player	Nationality	Club in 1987	Major Achievement	Finalist Status
Rabah Madjer	Algerian	FC Porto	Scored in European Cup Final win	Winner
Joseph-Antoine Bell	Cameroonian	Olympique de Marseille	French league runner-up	Finalist
George Weah	Liberian	Tonnerre Yaoundé	Domestic league standout	Not yet prominent
Ahmed Faras	Moroccan	Wydad Casablanca	CAF Champions League semi-finalist	Not shortlisted
Salif Keita	Malian	Retired	Former winner, not active	Not eligible

This table highlights how Madjer’s continental and international achievements in 1987 far surpassed those of his peers. While other African players performed well domestically or in regional competitions, Madjer’s role in winning Europe’s top club prize gave him unmatched visibility and credibility. His achievement underscored the growing globalization of African talent in top-tier football leagues.

Why It Matters

The 1987 award was a turning point in how African football excellence was perceived globally, elevating players competing outside Africa to new levels of recognition.

Global Stage: Madjer’s success proved African players could lead European clubs to major titles, changing perceptions in European football.
National Pride: Algeria celebrated Madjer as a national hero, boosting football’s popularity in North Africa.
Inspiration: Young players across Africa saw that success in Europe was attainable, increasing ambitions to play abroad.
Media Coverage: The award brought increased media attention to African athletes in international leagues.
Legacy: Madjer’s backheel goal remains one of the most iconic moments in Champions League history.
Precedent: His win paved the way for future North African winners like Yekaterina Gamal (1990) and Mohamed Salah (2017, 2018).

Rabah Madjer’s 1987 victory was more than a personal triumph—it symbolized the rising stature of African footballers on the world stage. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players striving for excellence both at home and abroad.