Every December, African football gathers for one of its most celebrated traditions, the CAF Awards.
The ceremony honours the continent’s brightest stars. It celebrates talent, leadership, and impact at every level of the game.
From Abedi Pele’s brilliance in the 1990s to Yaya Toure’s dominance in the 2010s, this award defines greatness.
It represents African pride, perseverance, and power on the global stage.
In 2025, the story continues with another thrilling race for the top prize.
Ten outstanding players have reached the final shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year.
The Confederation of African Football announced the nominees on 20 October 2025.
The assessment period covers performances from 6 January to 15 October.
Coaches, national captains, CAF legends, and journalists will vote to decide the winner.
The Contenders
Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)
Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal / Everton)
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal / Tottenham Hotspur)
André‑Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon / Napoli)
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids FC)
Denis Bouanga (Gabon / Los Angeles FC)
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco / RS Berkane
Each player reached the list through a different journey. Some dominated in Europe.
Others inspired their nations in major competitions. A few shone brightly in Africa’s own leagues.
The Leading Favourites
Achraf Hakimi stands out as the leading favourite. The Moroccan defender enjoyed a superb season with Paris Saint Germain.
He lifted multiple trophies and led his national team with drive and maturity.
His pace, assists, and defensive reliability make him the most complete African defender today.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian captain, remains an icon.
The two-time winner scored 34 goals and delivered 23 assists in 52 appearances for Liverpool.
His consistency and influence never fade. Salah seeks a third crown to confirm his legacy among Africa’s greatest.
Victor Osimhen, winner in 2023, also commands respect.
Now with Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker scored 37 goals and created seven assists in 41 games.
His energy and fighting spirit make him one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards.
Rising Forces
CAF’s list also rewards emerging and home-based players.
Oussama Lamlioui’s success with RS Berkane in Morocco and Fiston Mayele’s rise at Pyramids in Egypt prove that African leagues still produce elite talent.
Their nominations show CAF’s effort to honour excellence within the continent, not only in Europe.
Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Matar Sarr highlight a new generation of stars.
Ndiaye’s creativity helped Everton stay competitive in the Premier League.
Sarr’s control and vision guided Tottenham through a challenging season.
Both players shone for Senegal in World Cup qualifying matches.
The Evaluation Process
CAF’s process remains clear and fair. The Technical and Development Committee, joined by football legends, journalists, and national team captains, vote based on performance and impact.
They look at goals, assists, trophies, leadership, and consistency.
The evaluation period covers ten months of club and international football.
This allows CAF to reward players who perform at the highest level over time, not just in short bursts.
The Meaning of the Award
Winning the CAF Player of the Year means more than individual glory. It defines identity and inspires millions of young Africans.
It connects today’s stars with the heroes who built the continent’s football legacy.
When Didier Drogba lifted the trophy in 2006, he symbolised unity for Ivory Coast.
When Riyad Mahrez won in 2016, he showed the tactical power of North African football.
Every winner adds a new chapter to this proud history.
The award also highlights Africa’s global strength. Players now succeed across Europe, America, and Asia.
Many still carry the roots of their home countries with pride.
That combination of local passion and international quality defines African football in this era.
The Road Ahead
Hakimi remains the front-runner, but Salah and Osimhen stay close.
Bouanga’s strong season in Major League Soccer, Guirassy’s goal-scoring form in Germany, and Anguissa’s power in Italy make the race exciting.
Each nominee represents his nation’s best qualities, showing how far the continent has advanced.
As the awards ceremony approaches, excitement rises across Africa.
Fans debate in cafés, stadiums, and online platforms.
From Cairo to Lagos and Casablanca to Kinshasa, supporters argue for their heroes.
Everyone wants to see who will wear the crown in 2025.
Whatever the outcome, the winner will carry the pride of a continent.
The CAF Player of the Year award continues to tell Africa’s story of resilience, ambition, and excellence.
It reminds the world that African football never stops producing greatness.
