CAF Best Player Award 2025 shortlist features Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi among Africa’s top football stars vying for continental glory.
The race for the CAF Best Player Award 2025 has officially kicked off as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released its list of nominees, spotlighting the brightest talents from across the continent. The list features Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, three powerhouses of African football whose consistency and class continue to define modern football excellence.
Spanning performances from January 6 to October 15, 2025, the CAF Best Player Award 2025 will honour the most outstanding player in both club and international football. The competition promises to be fierce, showcasing Africa’s football dominance on the global stage.
CAF Best Player Award 2025 – Full list of nominees
CAF has unveiled ten footballers who made the final cut for the CAF Best Player Award 2025. These players were selected for their exceptional performances, leadership, and contributions to their teams.
1. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon / Napoli)
2. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids FC)
3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool FC)
4. Denis Bouanga (Gabon / Los Angeles FC)
5. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)
6. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
7. Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco / RS Berkane)
8. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray SK)
9. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal / Everton FC)
10. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal / Tottenham Hotspur)
Each nominee has displayed remarkable skill, resilience, and influence, qualities that embody the spirit of the CAF Best Player Award 2025.
Victor Osimhen – The Nigerian powerhouse
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner, remains a frontrunner for the CAF Best Player Award 2025. Following a remarkable season with Galatasaray, Osimhen’s blend of strength, speed, and goal-scoring prowess made him one of the most feared strikers in European football.
His return to the top ten list reflects his enduring dominance and consistency. If he secures back-to-back wins, Osimhen will join the elite ranks of players who have achieved consecutive victories in CAF history.
Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian king’s continued dominance
Mohamed Salah has once again earned a place among the continent’s best. The Liverpool talisman has maintained exceptional form, blending leadership with unmatched attacking flair. A two-time winner of the CAF Best Player Award, Salah continues to inspire both club and country with his professionalism and impact on and off the pitch.
His consistent performances in the Premier League and his influence on Egypt’s national team have solidified his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest ever players.
Achraf Hakimi – Morocco’s shining star
Achraf Hakimi continues to be one of Africa’s most complete defenders. His performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco have shown his versatility and tactical intelligence. Known for his speed, creativity, and defensive awareness, Hakimi’s nomination for the CAF Best Player Award 2025 highlights his pivotal role in shaping African football’s global reputation.
If victorious, Hakimi would become the first Moroccan player in recent years to win this prestigious award, adding another milestone to his illustrious career.
Other CAF Award 2025 categories
CAF has also announced nominees across several other key categories, recognizing excellence in all areas of African football:
Goalkeeper of the Year: Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria), Yassine Bounou (Morocco), Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Interclub Player of the Year: Honoring the best performers in CAF club competitions.
Coach of the Year: Featuring tactical masterminds like José Peseiro (Nigeria), Walid Regragui (Morocco), and Aliou Cissé (Senegal).
Young Player of the Year: Celebrating emerging stars under the age of 21.
Club and National Team of the Year: Highlighting teams that achieved outstanding collective success.
These categories show CAF’s commitment to rewarding talent, discipline, and innovation across all football sectors.
African football’s global influence
The CAF Best Player Award 2025 nominees reflect the growing global impact of African football. From the English Premier League to the UEFA Champions League, African stars continue to dominate top-tier competitions.
Players like Osimhen, Salah, and Hakimi are not only ambassadors of African talent but also role models who have broken barriers and inspired millions. Their nominations reaffirm Africa’s position as a powerhouse in world football, producing athletes capable of transforming games at the highest level.
Looking ahead to the CAF Awards Ceremony
The winners of the CAF Best Player Award 2025 and other categories will be revealed at a grand awards gala expected to draw top football personalities, legends, and dignitaries from around the world. The ceremony will celebrate not just individual brilliance but also teamwork, resilience, and the unifying power of African football.
Fans across the continent eagerly await to see who will claim the ultimate title of CAF Best Player Award 2025 winner. Will Victor Osimhen defend his crown? Can Mohamed Salah reclaim his former glory? Or will Achraf Hakimi rise to make history for Morocco?
The CAF Best Player Award 2025 nominations highlight Africa’s exceptional footballing talent. From Osimhen’s explosive scoring ability to Salah’s unmatched consistency and Hakimi’s defensive mastery, the race for this year’s crown promises excitement, pride, and continental unity.
As the football world watches, these African heroes remind us why the CAF Best Player Award remains a symbol of passion, excellence, and the limitless potential of the African game.
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