The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the final shortlist for the 2025 African Player of the Year award, with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi among the top contenders.
The ten-man list also includes Frank Anguissa (Cameroon), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Denis Bouanga (Gabon), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Oussama Lamlouki (Morocco), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal), and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal).
The shortlist highlights some of the most outstanding African performers across Europe and beyond during the 2024–2025 season.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals and provided 7 assists in 41 matches while winning two trophies, stands out as one of the frontrunners for the crown.
Mohammed Salah, who netted 34 goals and made 23 assists in 52 appearances, is also in strong contention after guiding Liverpool to silverware.
Achraf Hakimi, with 9 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches, boasts an impressive four trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, strengthening his case for the prestigious award.
The winner will be determined through votes from CAF’s technical committee, African football legends, journalists, and national team coaches and captains.
The CAF Awards 2025 ceremony will celebrate the continent’s best talents across multiple categories, including men’s and women’s football, at a yet-to-be-announced venue.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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