What Is 1990 African Footballer of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1990 African Footballer of the Year was Abedi Pele of Ghana, who won the award while playing for Marseille. He became the first Ghanaian to win the honor more than once, having previously won in 1992 (note: correction—actually won in 1991 and 1993; 1990 was his first win).

Key Facts

Abedi Pele from Ghana won the 1990 African Footballer of the Year award.
He played for Olympique de Marseille in France during the 1989–1990 season.
This was his first of three African Footballer of the Year awards (1990, 1992, 1993).
The award was voted on by African sports journalists affiliated with CAF.
Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria finished second in the 1990 voting.

Overview

The 1990 African Footballer of the Year award recognized the continent's most outstanding male player for performances during that calendar year. Awarded annually since 1970 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the honor is determined through votes from African sports journalists. The 1990 edition marked a pivotal moment as it crowned Abedi Pele, a dynamic midfielder from Ghana, as the continent's best.

Abedi Pele’s win was significant not only for his individual excellence but also for Ghanaian football, which had not seen a winner since the 1970s. Playing for Olympique de Marseille in France, his performances in Ligue 1 and European competitions elevated his profile across the continent. His technical skill, vision, and leadership on the field made him a standout candidate.

Winner: Abedi Pele became the first Ghanaian to win the award since 1978, breaking a 12-year drought for his nation.
Club performance: He played a crucial role in Marseille’s 1989–1990 season, helping them finish second in Ligue 1 and reach the UEFA Cup semifinals.
Voting process: The award was determined by votes from journalists across 43 African nations, each submitting a ranked ballot.
Historical context: Abedi Pele was the first player to win the award three times, with 1990 being his first of three (followed by 1992 and 1993).
Runner-up: Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini, who later became a national icon, finished second in the voting after a strong season with RFC Liège in Belgium.

How It Works

The African Footballer of the Year award is determined through a structured voting process involving journalists across the continent. Each year, CAF invites accredited sports journalists from member nations to submit their top three choices, with points assigned for first (5 points), second (3 points), and third (1 point) place votes.

Term: The term refers to calendar year performance, covering January to December 1990. Players are evaluated based on club and international performances during this period.
Voting body: Over 40 national football associations participated, each sending one journalist to cast votes, ensuring broad continental representation.
Eligibility: Any African-born male player, regardless of where they play, is eligible as long as they compete professionally during the year.
Scoring system: First-place votes earn 5 points, second-place 3, and third-place 1; the player with the highest cumulative total wins.
Announcement: The winner is typically announced in December, with a formal ceremony held early the following year in a CAF-designated host city.
Historical significance: The 1990 award was the 20th edition, marking two decades of honoring Africa’s top football talent since the award’s inception in 1970.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 1990 African Footballer of the Year voting, highlighting their nationalities, clubs, and contributions.

Rank	Player	Nationality	Club (1990)	Key Achievement
1	Abedi Pele	Ghana	Olympique de Marseille	First Ghanaian winner since 1978; led Marseille to UEFA Cup semifinal
2	Rashidi Yekini	Nigeria	RFC Liège	Top scorer in Belgian First Division with 19 goals
3	George Weah	Liberia	AS Monaco	Emerging talent; later won FIFA World Player of the Year in 1995
4	Joseph-Antoine Bell	Cameroon	Olympique de Marseille	Key goalkeeper in Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup quarterfinal run
5	Badou Zaki	Morocco	Raja CA	Helped Morocco win the 1989–90 Botola league title

The table illustrates how club success and international visibility influenced voting. Abedi Pele’s presence at a top European club gave him an edge, while Yekini’s domestic scoring prowess kept him competitive. Weah’s third-place finish signaled the rise of a future global star, while Bell and Zaki represented strong African-based performances.

Why It Matters

The 1990 African Footballer of the Year award had lasting implications for African football, both in terms of individual recognition and continental pride. It highlighted the growing influence of African players in European leagues and set a precedent for future stars.

Legacy of Abedi Pele: His win inspired a generation of Ghanaian players, including his son, Jordan Ayew, who later played in Europe.
European exposure: Winning while playing in France underscored the importance of competing at the highest club levels for award consideration.
National pride: Ghana celebrated the win as a resurgence in its football prominence after years of underperformance.
Media influence: The award reinforced the role of African journalists in shaping football narratives across the continent.
Pathway for future stars: Players like George Weah used high placements as springboards to global recognition.
Historical benchmark: The 1990 award remains a reference point in discussions about Africa’s greatest footballers.

Ultimately, the 1990 African Footballer of the Year was more than just an individual accolade—it symbolized the rising stature of African talent on the world stage and set the tone for the 1990s, a decade that would see African players gain unprecedented recognition in global football.