What Is 2000 African Footballer of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 African Footballer of the Year was awarded to Mustapha Hadji of Morocco. He received the honor based on his performances for Deportivo La Coruña and his contributions to African football that year.

Key Facts

Mustapha Hadji won the 2000 African Footballer of the Year award.
He became the first Moroccan to win the award since 1986.
Hadji earned 113 career caps for the Moroccan national team.
The award was presented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He played a key role in Deportivo La Coruña’s 1999–2000 La Liga title campaign.

Overview

The 2000 African Footballer of the Year award recognized the continent's most outstanding male footballer for performances during that calendar year. This prestigious honor, conferred by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), highlights excellence in African football and celebrates individual brilliance on both the continental and international stages.

Mustapha Hadji, a dynamic midfielder from Morocco, claimed the title in 2000, marking a significant achievement for North African football. His win ended a 14-year drought for Moroccan players, the last being in 1986 when Ahmed Faras won. The award reflected not only club performance but also national team contributions and overall influence on African football.

Mustapha Hadji won the 2000 award, becoming the first Moroccan to do so since 1986, highlighting a resurgence in North African recognition.
He earned 113 international caps for Morocco, one of the highest totals in African football history, showcasing his longevity and consistency.
Hadji played a pivotal role at Deportivo La Coruña during their historic 1999–2000 La Liga title win, contributing both goals and assists.
The award was determined by votes from national team coaches and captains across Africa, emphasizing peer recognition and credibility.
His technical skill, vision, and leadership on the field distinguished him from other finalists like Salif Keïta and Abdul Kader Keïta.

How It Works

The African Footballer of the Year award is determined through a structured voting process involving national team representatives across the continent. The system aims to balance performance, sportsmanship, and regional representation, ensuring a fair and transparent selection.

Term: The award is given annually by CAF to the best African male footballer based on performances from January to December. It was first awarded in 1970.
Voting body: National team coaches and captains from CAF member nations cast votes, with each submitting a ranked list of their top three players.
Eligibility: Players must be African nationals and active in the calendar year, regardless of where they play—domestic or international leagues.
Scoring system: First-place votes earn 5 points, second-place 3 points, and third-place 1 point; the player with the highest total wins.
Announcement: The winner is typically revealed in December during a CAF awards ceremony broadcast across Africa and global sports networks.
Historical split: From 1992 to 2003, CAF split the award into 'African-based' and 'Overseas-based' categories; Hadji won the latter in 2000.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 African Footballer of the Year winner and key contenders from that year:

Player	Nationality	Club (2000)	Key Achievement (2000)	CAF Award Category
Mustapha Hadji	Morocco	Deportivo La Coruña	La Liga title, consistent midfield dominance	Overseas-based
Salif Keïta	Mali	Marseille	Return to form after injury setbacks	Overseas-based
Abdul Kader Keïta	Ivory Coast	Al-Sadd	Top scorer in Qatari league	Overseas-based
Joseph-Désiré Job	Cameroon	Ajax	Emerging talent in European competition	Overseas-based
Aliou Cissé	Senegal	Montpellier	Defensive leadership in Ligue 1	Overseas-based

This table illustrates how Mustapha Hadji stood out among a competitive field. His contribution to a La Liga-winning team, combined with consistent international performances, gave him an edge over technically gifted peers. The 2000 award structure still used the split categories, which meant Hadji competed only against players based outside Africa, making his win particularly notable.

Why It Matters

Winning the African Footballer of the Year is a career-defining achievement that elevates a player's legacy and inspires future generations across the continent. It also increases visibility for African talent in global football markets.

National pride: Hadji’s win boosted morale in Morocco and highlighted the country’s growing influence in African football.
Role model status: Young players in North Africa gained a new benchmark for success in European leagues.
Club recognition: Deportivo La Coruña gained greater exposure in African markets due to Hadji’s success.
CAF credibility: The award reinforced CAF’s role in celebrating excellence beyond just World Cup cycles.
Historical context: Hadji’s win broke a long drought, showing that talent could emerge outside traditional powerhouses like Nigeria or Cameroon.
Legacy impact: His name remains associated with elegance and intelligence on the pitch, influencing coaching curricula in Morocco.

Ultimately, the 2000 award was more than a personal honor—it symbolized shifting dynamics in African football and the rising prominence of players from diverse regions across the continent.