The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the top contenders for its 2025 awards. The men’s African Player of the Year shortlist features Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), and Mohamed Salah (Egypt).
The women’s African Player of the Year title will be contested by Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco), and Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria).
The winners will be crowned at a prestigious ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, this Wednesday. The race for the men’s award showcases three of the continent’s most elite footballers.
CAF Award 2025 Men’s Player of the Year Contenders
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)
The Moroccan defender enjoyed a triumphant club season despite currently being injured. Hakimi was instrumental in helping Paris Saint-Germain secure its first-ever UEFA Champions League title. He also contributed to their runner-up finish in the expanded Club World Cup. If fit, the 27-year-old is expected to lead the host nation, Morocco, in their quest to win the Africa Cup of Nations this December.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
The Nigerian striker has been in outstanding form for both his Turkish club, Galatasaray, and the national team. It is worth noting that some of his recent achievements, including a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax and a brace in a World Cup play-off victory over Gabon, fall outside the award’s October 15 judging deadline.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
The two-time winner of this award remains a dominant force. Salah played a key role in Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th Premier League title last season. The 33-year-old forward also secured the 2024-25 Premier League Golden Boot, netting 29 goals.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/C22pZJc3G7
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025CAF Award 2025 Women’s Player of the Year Contenders
The women’s shortlist highlights the rising talent and competitive spirit in African football.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain)
The Nigerian star was voted the best player at the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. She led her team to a dramatic comeback victory, defeating hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Following in the footsteps of her father, former Moroccan star Larbi Chebbak, Ghizlane was the leading scorer at the women’s AFCON with five goals. She now showcases her talents in the Saudi Arabian women’s league.
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
The Moroccan forward has been a key player in making AS FAR one of Africa’s top clubs. Her efforts helped the Rabat-based team win the CAF Women’s Champions League three years ago. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2025 edition.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/AHtzjLwwVL
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025The winners were selected through a voting process. The process involved CAF’s technical and development committee, coaches, former football stars, and selected media representatives.
