Africa’s Night of Accolades: CAF Awards 2025 Lights Up Rabat

Event details

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will host the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, celebrating Africa's top football talents of the year across men's and women's categories.

The ceremony starts at 19:00 local time in Rabat, with corresponding times in Cairo (20:00) and Mecca (21:00). CAF will stream the show on its YouTube channel, and the event will be carried by major networks such as beIN Sports (Qatar) and On Sport (Egypt).

Honors will cover categories including Best African Player (Men), Best African Player (Women), Best Coach (Men and Women), Best National Team (Men and Women), and Best Club (Men and Women). The eligibility window runs from January 6 to October 15, 2025.

Hosts

CAF announced Angélique Kidjo from Benin and Moroccan comedian Walas as the ceremony hosts for 2025. Kidjo, a globally celebrated singer with multiple Grammys, has long blended African rhythms with global sounds and carries a humanitarian role with UNICEF.

Walas, a well-known comedian across the continent, brings warmth, humor, and a knack for connecting with diverse audiences. Expect a night where jokes land just right while trophies land in the right hands.

Legends and tributes

A tribute segment will gather Africa’s football legends, pairing history with the night’s contemporary excitement. Attendees are set to include Mustapha Hajji, Gervinho, Rabah Madjer, Mohamed Sissoko, Idriss Kamini, Shikabala, Patrick M’Boma, and Taribo West—names that echo across generations. In the women’s game, Janine Van Wyk, Desire Obiwanzi, Clementine Touré, and Bernadette Anong will highlight greatness on and off the pitch.

The presence of these icons will underscore Africa’s enduring football story and connect the era of legends with the rising stars of today.

Musical program

The awards night features a curated musical program with three headline acts: rising Moroccan artist Duaa Lahiawi, Congolese star Oilo Longomba, and DJ Fuse or DJ. The performances aim to fuse contemporary urban sounds with African musical roots, turning the ceremony into a cross-continental celebration of art and sport.

Nominees for CAF 2025

CAF had previously announced a shortlist across multiple categories. In the Best African Player (Men) race, three players are in contention: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray).

In the Best African Player (Women) category, finalists include Ghizlan Shabak (Morocco/Haalic), Sanaa Masoudi (Morocco/Club), and Rashidat Ajibadi (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain). The Best goalkeeper race features Yassine Bounou (Morocco/Al Hilal), Munir Mohammedi (Morocco/Not specified), and Ronwin Williams (South Africa/Rise). The Best Coach category highlights Walid Regraki (Morocco) among others in men’s and women’s football.

The Best Young Player category features Othman Omma (Morocco/Youth) along with Abdullah Wazan (Morocco/ Ajax) and Tyla Smith (South Africa/Queen’s Park Rangers). In the Best National Team category, Morocco U20, the Morocco senior team, and Cape Verde have been highlighted for notable achievements this year. The Best Club nominees include Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Pyramids FC (Egypt), and RS Berkane (Morocco), reflecting a strong North and sub-Saharan African presence.

The Best Goal shortlist includes 13 goals scored across African competitions this year, with votes by fans expected to shape the final outcome. The list features striking moments from players across the continent.

The Best Female Player shortlist emphasizes standout performers from Morocco, Nigeria, and beyond, while the Best Female Goalkeeper nods to guards from Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. The Best Women’s Coach list includes coaches from Morocco and South Africa, among others, and the Best Rising Female Player spotlights a new generation of stars. The Best African Women’s Team category covers the continent’s top women’s squads for 2025.

As for legacy, CAF has also released a five-year snapshot of winners in both the men’s and women’s categories, highlighting the continent’s evolving talent pool and enduring excellence across clubs and national teams.

Past winners and context

Over the past five editions, the Best African Player award has crowned a roll of stars: 2024 – Ademola Lookman (Nigeria); 2023 – Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); 2022 – Sadio Mané (Senegal); 2019 – Sadio Mané (Senegal); 2018 – Mohamed Salah (Egypt). The Best African Women’s Player laureates have included, in order: 2024 – Barbara Banda (Zambia); 2023 – Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria); 2022 – Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria); 2019 – Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria); 2018 – Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa).

The ceremony serves as a capstone for Africa’s football journey through the year, bridging club and international football with performances, tributes, and a night of global attention.

Why it matters

Beyond glitz, the CAF Awards spotlight Africa’s footballing depth—emerging talents, sustained excellence, and the stories that connect fans across the continent. It’s a night where national pride meets professional achievement, and where coaches, players, and fans celebrate the sport’s social and cultural impact across Africa.