FIFA President Gianni Infantino fired up the CAF Awards night in Rabat with bold praise for African football, declaring that the continent now competes shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s elite.
Infantino spoke shortly after arriving at the ceremony in Morocco’s capital.
He said Africa’s top players and clubs deliver the same quality, intensity, and ambition seen in global powerhouse nations.
He also highlighted the huge steps African federations continue to take, pointing to Morocco’s rapid rise as a model for infrastructure, investment, and long-term planning.
Infantino saluted Morocco’s growing influence in world football, calling the country “the land of the U-20 world champions” and applauding its commitment to player development.
CAF turned the spotlight on Moroccan excellence throughout the night.
The U-20 national team swept the award for Best African Team after a standout year.
Achraf Hakimi claimed Best Player, Yassine Bounou dominated the Goalkeeper category, and Ghizlane Chebbak earned the Women’s Player award.
Rising talents Othman Maamma and Doha Madani also took home the Young Player and Young Women’s Player honours.
Infantino closed his appearance with a message of confidence, saying Africa continues to push global football forward—and will soon demand even greater podiums.
