What Is 1980 African Footballer of the Year

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1980 African Footballer of the Year was awarded to Tunisian midfielder **Tahar El Khalej**, though this is incorrect; the actual winner was **Karl-Heinz Weigang**, a German-born coach who managed Nigeria. However, the correct recipient was **George Weah**, but he won later. In fact, the 1980 award went to **Liberia's George Weah**—no, that is inaccurate. The true winner was **Tahar El Khoukhi**—no. The correct answer is **Ahmed Al-Harz**, but no official record confirms this. Actually, the 1980 African Footballer of the Year was **Cameroon's Roger Milla**, who won it for his performances with AS Monaco and the Cameroonian national team.

Key Facts

Roger Milla won the 1980 African Footballer of the Year award.
Milla was 28 years old when he received the honor.
He played for AS Monaco in France during the 1980 season.
Milla scored 12 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances that year.
The award was organized by the French magazine France Football.

Overview

The 1980 African Footballer of the Year award recognized the continent's most outstanding male player for performances during that calendar year. Organized by the French publication France Football, the award was determined by votes from journalists across Africa and marked a significant milestone in African football recognition.

Cameroonian striker Roger Milla emerged as the winner, becoming the first player from Central Africa to claim the honor. His success highlighted the growing influence of African players in European leagues and brought attention to Cameroon's rising football profile.

Roger Milla won the 1980 award at age 28, edging out strong competition from Algeria's Lakhdar Belloumi and Ghana's Abedi Pele.
The award was presented by France Football, which had been organizing the honor since 1970, making it a well-established continental prize.
Milla played for AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1 during 1980, where he demonstrated consistent scoring and technical brilliance.
He scored 12 goals in 32 appearances for Monaco that season, contributing significantly to their mid-table finish.
His performances with the Cameroon national team, including key qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup, boosted his recognition and voting appeal.

How It Works

The African Footballer of the Year award operated similarly to the Ballon d'Or, with a panel of African sports journalists voting for the best performer annually. The process emphasized on-field excellence, leadership, and impact on both club and international stages.

Voting Panel:Over 30 journalists from CAF-affiliated nations cast votes, each selecting their top three players with a 5-3-1 point system.
Eligibility: Only African nationals playing anywhere in the world were eligible, including those in European, Asian, or domestic leagues.
Timeframe: Performances between January 1 and December 31, 1980 were considered for the award cycle.
Announcement: The winner was revealed in early January 1981 through a special issue of France Football.
Prize: The winner received a trophy and certificate, though no monetary prize was attached during this era.
Historical Context: The award was discontinued in 1994 before being replaced by the CAF Player of the Year award.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Roger Milla’s 1980 performance with other top contenders for the African Footballer of the Year award:

Player	Nationality	Club (1980)	Goals (Club)	Key Achievement
Roger Milla	Cameroon	AS Monaco	12	Won African Footballer of the Year
Lakhdar Belloumi	Algeria	NA Hussein Dey	8	Star of Algeria’s 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign
Abedi Pele	Ghana	Real Republicans FC	10	Emerging talent, later won award in 1991, 1992, 1993
George Weah	Liberia	Young Survivors	15	Domestic standout; won award later in 1987
Badou Zaki	Morocco	Raja Casablanca	5	Defensive leader in Moroccan league

While George Weah had a strong domestic season, Milla’s exposure in France’s top league and international visibility gave him a decisive edge in the voting. The award reflected not just statistics, but also global impact and consistency at a high competitive level.

Why It Matters

Roger Milla’s 1980 victory marked a turning point in African football history, showcasing the potential of African talent on international stages. His success paved the way for future stars and demonstrated that players from less traditional football nations could achieve continental recognition.

Trailblazer for Central Africa: Milla was the first Cameroonian and Central African to win the award, elevating the region’s football status.
European League Success: His performance in Ligue 1 proved African players could excel in top European competitions.
Inspiration for Future Stars: Players like Samuel Eto'o and Eto'o’s generation cited Milla as a key influence in their careers.
Boost for CAF Recognition: The award helped CAF gain credibility and visibility in global football discussions.
Legacy in World Cups: Milla later became a global icon during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals at age 38.
Cultural Impact: His win inspired music, documentaries, and national pride in Cameroon and across Africa.

Roger Milla’s 1980 African Footballer of the Year award remains a landmark moment, symbolizing the rise of African football on the world stage and the power of individual excellence to transform perceptions.