Rising Stars and Heavyweights: The CAF African Player of the Year Showdown in Rabat
16 November 2025
Contenders announced for Africa's Player of the Year
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed the final shortlist for its 2025 awards, scheduled for a grand ceremony in Rabat, the Moroccan capital. The announcements cover several categories—from Best African Player to Best Club and beyond—covering performances across clubs and national teams during 2025.
CAF’s lists span awards such as Best African Player, Best Goalkeeper, Best Player on the Continent, Best Young Player, Best Coach, Best National Team, and Best Club. The period under consideration runs from January 6 to October 15, 2025, and the ceremony in Rabat will honor contributions at both club and national levels.
Intense competition
Three names were singled out for the Best African Player prize: Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. Hakimi’s year included a UEFA Champions League title with PSG as well as domestic league and cup successes, while Salah captained Liverpool to the Premier League crown and earned both the league’s best player honors and the top assist scorer award. Osimhen delivered a stellar campaign with Galatasaray, contributing to a Turkish league title run and strong showings.
A Moroccan duel in goal
In the goalkeeper race, a Moroccan-led contest features Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir Mohammedi (Mohammadi) of Morocco, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns). Bounou’s club form and standout moments in the FIFA Club World Cup were highlighted, while Williams has shown consistency with Sundowns. Munir Mohammedi also brings a wealth of experience to the panel’s consideration.
Inside Africa’s rising talents
In the Best Player Inside Africa category, the field includes two from Pyramid-based highlights and a Moroccan forward, with notable contributions from Feston Maiyile and Mohammed Shibi alongside Or Osama Al-Meliwi, who has shone for a Moroccan side. The trio helped their teams push for continental glory, underscoring Africa’s diverse talent pool.
Best coach and best national/team honours
Three coaches are in contention for Best Coach: Walid Regragui (Morocco), Mohammed Wahi (Morocco U-20), and Boavista’s coach for Cape Verde. Regragui has guided Morocco with a string of victories and strong performances, while the youth and Cape Verde campaigns have also yielded historic milestones for their regions.
Best young player and best club
The Best Young Player nomination features Othman Oma (Morocco) and others from Europe’s leagues, with a push from Far East and African clubs as the competition tightens. For Best Club, Mamelodi Sundowns, Pyramids FC, and Renaissance de Berkan (Berkan) stand out as top contenders after standout domestic and continental campaigns.
The 2025 CAF Awards promise to be a night of top-class football showcase, with a heavy North African presence and a mix of Sub-Saharan stars expected to light up the ceremony in Rabat.
Notes
Contenders beyond the headline names include a blend of club giants and rising regional teams, illustrating CAF’s breadth across the continent. The ceremony will reflect a year full of drama, drama that even a goalkeeper would envy.
Punchline 1: If elegance in football had a trophy, these players would be polishing it with their boots while negotiating sponsorships with the net.
Punchline 2: In Rabat, even the air carries a whiff of glory—just don’t ask the trophy to carry your luggage, it already has a full cabinet.
