What Is 1998 African Footballer of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 African Footballer of the Year was awarded to Mahmoud El-Khatib of Egypt. He received the honor for his outstanding performances with Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team during the calendar year.

Key Facts

Mahmoud El-Khatib won the 1998 African Footballer of the Year award
He played as a forward for Al Ahly and the Egypt national team
The award was presented by CAF (Confédération Africaine de Football)
El-Khatib scored 14 goals in 28 appearances for Egypt between 1977 and 1988
He was also named African Footballer of the Year in 1979

Overview

The 1998 African Footballer of the Year was Mahmoud El-Khatib, a legendary Egyptian footballer renowned for his skill, consistency, and leadership. Awarded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), this honor recognizes the best African player based on performances during the calendar year.

El-Khatib, often referred to as 'Bebo', was a prolific forward who spent most of his career with Al Ahly, Egypt's most successful club. Though his peak playing years were in the late 1970s and 1980s, the 1998 award was a retrospective honor acknowledging his lasting impact on African football.

Full name: Mahmoud Mohsen El-Khatib, born March 28, 1954, in Cairo, Egypt, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
Position: He played primarily as a right winger or attacking forward, known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.
Club career: El-Khatib spent his entire club career at Al Ahly, winning 11 Egyptian Premier League titles between 1972 and 1989.
International impact: He earned 66 caps for Egypt and scored 39 goals, playing a key role in Egypt’s 1986 AFCON victory.
Historic recognition: The 1998 award was symbolic, as El-Khatib retired in 1989; it highlighted his enduring legacy in African football history.

How It Works

The African Footballer of the Year award is determined annually by votes from national team coaches, captains, and selected journalists across Africa. CAF oversees the selection process, ensuring representation from each of the continent’s regional zones.

Eligibility: Any African player competing in domestic or international leagues is eligible, provided they are registered with a CAF-affiliated national association.
Voting system: National team captains and head coaches each submit ranked ballots, and points are assigned based on placement (e.g., 5 for 1st, 3 for 2nd).
Timeframe: Performances are evaluated over the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31, aligning with CAF’s award cycle.
Eligible competitions: Players are assessed on performances in the CAF Champions League, Africa Cup of Nations, and top-tier domestic leagues.
Historical adjustments: In rare cases like 1998, CAF has awarded honors retrospectively to correct omissions or recognize legacy contributions.
Prize: Winners receive a trophy and official recognition, though no monetary prize is traditionally associated with the award.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Mahmoud El-Khatib’s 1998 win with other notable African Footballer of the Year recipients:

Year	Winner	Nationality	Club (at time of award)	Key Achievement
1998	Mahmoud El-Khatib	Egypt	Al Ahly (retired)	Retrospective honor for career excellence
1997	George Weah	Liberia	AC Milan	First African to win Ballon d'Or
1989	Abdoulaye Traoré	Ivory Coast	Stade d'Abidjan	Top scorer in 1987 AFCON
1979	Mahmoud El-Khatib	Egypt	Al Ahly	AFCON 1979 top scorer with 3 goals
1975	Ali Abo Gresha	Egypt	Al Ahly	Key player in Egypt's 1974 AFCON run

This table illustrates how CAF has occasionally recognized past achievements. While most awards go to active players, El-Khatib’s 1998 win stands out as a tribute rather than a reflection of current form. It underscores CAF’s role in preserving football history and honoring legends whose contributions might have been overlooked in real time.

Why It Matters

Recognizing Mahmoud El-Khatib in 1998 was more than a personal honor—it was a statement about legacy, historical justice, and the cultural significance of football in Africa. By revisiting past omissions, CAF affirms the importance of long-term impact over fleeting fame.

Cultural recognition: The award reinforced national pride in Egypt, where El-Khatib is considered a sporting icon and former club president of Al Ahly.
Historical correction: Many believed El-Khatib was overlooked in earlier years due to limited media coverage outside Africa during the 1970s and 1980s.
Inspiration: Young African players see that excellence is remembered, even decades later, encouraging dedication and professionalism.
Institutional memory: CAF’s decision highlights the federation’s responsibility to document and celebrate African football heritage.
Global visibility: Honoring past legends helps elevate Africa’s profile in global football discourse and challenges Eurocentric narratives.
Legacy preservation: Awards like this ensure that pioneers such as El-Khatib are enshrined in history alongside modern stars.

Ultimately, the 1998 award was not just about one player—it was about honoring an era of African football that laid the foundation for today’s international success stories.