Full Breakdown
2025 CAF Awards Nominees Announced: Spotlight on African Football Stars
10/23/2025, 1:32:49 PM
Overview of the Nominees
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, celebrating the continent's top football talents based on performances from January 6 to October 15, 2025. Leading the nominations for the Men's Player of the Year are Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Mohamed Salah of Egypt, both of whom have had significant impacts at their respective clubs and national teams.
Key Nominees for Men's Player of the Year
Achraf Hakimi, a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, played a pivotal role in his team's success, contributing to a domestic league and cup double as well as winning the UEFA Champions League. His impressive season includes winning five trophies with PSG. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian captain and Liverpool forward, also had a standout year, securing the Premier League Golden Boot and helping Liverpool reclaim the league title. Other notable nominees include Victor Osimhen from Nigeria, who scored 26 goals for Galatasaray, and Iliman Ndiaye from Senegal, who was instrumental in his team's World Cup qualification.
Full List of Men's Player of the Year Nominees
1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
4. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon/Napoli)
5. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)
6. Denis Bouanga (Gabon/Los Angeles FC)
7. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund)
8. Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane)
9. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal/Everton)
10. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal/Tottenham Hotspur)
Morocco's Strong Representation
Morocco features prominently in several categories, with both the senior and U20 national teams nominated for the Men's National Team of the Year. The U20 team recently made history by winning the U20 World Cup, marking a significant achievement for Moroccan football. Additionally, Morocco's Walid Regragui is nominated for Men's Coach of the Year, alongside fellow Moroccan coaches Tarik Sektioui and Mohamed Ouahbi.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the strong representation of Moroccan players and teams, some critics have pointed out the absence of last year's winner, Ademola Lookman, from the shortlist. This omission has sparked discussions regarding the selection criteria and the impact of players' performances in the current season versus previous achievements.
Official Statements & Responses
CAF has stated that the nominations reflect the "immense impact of African players and coaches on the global game." The awards aim to honor those who have made significant contributions to football on the continent during the specified period.
What's Next
The winners of the 2025 CAF Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, later this year. The event will celebrate the achievements of players, coaches, and teams across various categories, highlighting the growth and talent within African football.
Conclusion
The 2025 CAF Awards nominations showcase the remarkable talents of African footballers, with Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah leading the charge for the prestigious Player of the Year award. As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation builds for the recognition of excellence in African football.
