How Serhou Guirassy Outshone Mbappé, Haaland, and the Rest

Serhou Guirassy’s Unyielding March Toward African Football’s Highest Honor

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy now commands respect on Europe’s biggest football stages. He strives for recognition as the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year. He does not stop impressing fans and critics alike.

This talented forward overcame several difficult chapters in his early career. He spent time at Köln, Rennes, and Lille. He struggled to settle, but he never lost his faith.

Eventually, he joined VfB Stuttgart and found a perfect home. There, he emerged as a ruthless finisher who rose beyond expectations. He did not merely score goals; he broke records.

He set a new benchmark at Stuttgart, surpassing Mario Gómez’s long-standing scoring record. He ended the 2023/24 Bundesliga season with 28 goals.

Guirassy finished second in Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Harry Kane.

Meanwhile, he overshadowed some of football’s biggest names, outscoring luminaries like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé and earning recognition as a global threat.

Moreover, his efforts pushed Stuttgart to unprecedented heights. They soared to second place in the Bundesliga. They made their comeback to the UEFA Champions League after a 14-year absence.

He led them there with unrelenting hunger. He secured crucial victories through late winners and timely strikes. He helped Stuttgart collect a historic 73 points.

Not surprisingly, his achievements turned heads all over Europe. Top clubs monitored him closely. Borussia Dortmund decided to secure his services.

Upon arriving at Dortmund, Guirassy faced sky-high expectations. Some doubted he could repeat his prior form, and others wondered if his previous season represented a lucky patch.

Yet he quickly silenced all doubts. He missed the first three matches of the new season through injury. Then, he returned with a remarkable vengeance.

He scored in the UEFA Champions League against Club Brugge. He then kept scoring and assisting, always giving defenders nightmares. In his initial 17 games for Dortmund, he scored 12 goals and provided four assists.

Furthermore, he was impressed not just with the goals but also with his all-around play. He dropped deep to involve teammates and created space through intelligent movement.

Nuri Şahin, Dortmund’s head coach, praised his adaptability. Şahin noted how Guirassy brought a different element to their attack. He highlighted the striker’s ability to open up the game.

Roman Weidenfeller, a Dortmund legend, did not hide his admiration. He called Guirassy’s performance “world-class.” He compared the forward’s impact to that of greats like Haaland, Bellingham, and Lewandowski.

Meanwhile, Bayern legend Stefan Effenberg also praised Guirassy’s work rate. He pointed out how the striker sprinted back 60 meters late in a game.

Such glowing endorsements do not occur frequently. People with high standards appreciate Guirassy’s determination and understand his refusal to rely solely on talent.

On the international stage, he also raised eyebrows. He represented Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations. He contributed to their journey to the quarter-finals.

Later, in the 2025 qualifying, he unleashed a scoring storm. He netted six times in five matches. He even scored a blistering 29-minute hat-trick against Ethiopia.

Although Guinea did not reach the finals, Guirassy’s performances still mattered. He showcased leadership and consistency under pressure. He proved that he shone even without a star-studded supporting cast.

Now, Guirassy is a leading contender for the CAF African Player of the Year award. His rivals include Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, and Ronwen Williams. They form a formidable group, each offering unique qualities.

Yet Guirassy’s scoring record sets him apart. Adingra’s creativity and Hakimi’s versatility deserve respect. Lookman’s skill and Williams’ goalkeeping prowess also matter.

However, none match Guirassy’s prolific tally in 2024. From January to October, he accumulated 26 goals and five assists in 37 matches, and he delivered this output for both club and country.

Guirassy does not rely on reputation alone. He proves his worth through tangible numbers.

Moreover, he profoundly influenced his teams’ fortunes. He propelled Stuttgart to a historic finish and helped Dortmund maintain momentum in elite competitions.

He carried Guinea’s hopes in challenging circumstances. He always gave everything, never surrendering until the final whistle. He worked tirelessly, even when opponents marked him tightly.

In addition, he embraced new roles without hesitation. He learned how to adapt to Dortmund’s system. He displayed defensive commitment, pressing high up the pitch.

No single attribute defines Guirassy. Instead, he brings a complete package. He fuses goal-scoring prowess, tactical intelligence, and relentless tenacity.

He deserves recognition as Africa’s best player this year. He rose from a position of uncertainty to the pinnacle of success. He redefined what it means to lead a team from the frontline.

Guirassy’s story inspires younger players who face similar struggles. It shows that perseverance and belief can transform careers and that consistent hard work leads to extraordinary outcomes.

As December 16 approaches, many eyes focus on Marrakech. The award ceremony could confirm Guirassy’s well-earned status. He wants to bring honor not only to himself but also to Guinea.

Victor Osimhen, 2023 CAF African Player of the Year Award Winner

Dortmund fans already chant his name, Stuttgart supporters respect the legacy he left behind, and neutral observers admire his journey and wonder what comes next.

He refuses to slow down or rest on his achievements. He looks ahead, hungry for more goals and trophies. He understands that recognition follows those who never stop fighting.

This year, he emerged as a global force. He performed under bright lights and heavy scrutiny, stepping up each time and never losing focus.

In many ways, this season felt like a coronation. Guirassy earned praise from legends who rarely praise lightly. He carried heavy responsibility on broad shoulders.

Now, he stands on the brink of African football’s highest individual honor. He loves representing Guinea and adores the big stages. He wants the world to remember him as a champion.

In the end, actions speak louder than words. Guirassy’s actions included records, victories, and unstoppable runs of form. He transformed potential into actual greatness.

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