Hakimi, who plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, finished ahead of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in the final voting. His triumph marks a historic moment for Moroccan football, making him the first player from the North African nation to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and the first defender to be recognised since Zaire centre-back Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

The 2025 season was one of the best of Hakimi’s career, with the 26-year-old enjoying a trophy-filled year at PSG. He played a key role in the club’s successes across four competitions — the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the UEFA Super Cup — achievements that strengthened his case as Africa’s standout footballer.

“It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” Hakimi said during his acceptance speech. “This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa. And for those that always believed in me since I was a child… I would like to thank them all.”

Morocco Dominates the Night

Hakimi’s win headlined a night in which Morocco asserted its growing influence in African football by sweeping several major categories.

Saudi-based forward Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Footballer of the Year, adding to her growing list of accolades as one of the continent’s most consistent players.

In the men’s category, Yassine Bounou, the Al-Hilal and Atlas Lions goalkeeper, was crowned Goalkeeper of the Year, further underlining Morocco’s remarkable depth across both men’s and women’s football.

Nigeria’s Nnadozie Extends Her Reign

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time, continuing her dominance since the category’s introduction in 2023. The 24-year-old, who recently sealed a transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League, remains one of Africa’s most formidable goalkeepers.

Cape Verde Earns Historic Recognition

The Coach of the Year award went to Cape Verde’s Bubista, who guided the island nation to a milestone achievement — their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, set for 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. His win marks a significant moment for Cape Verdean football, symbolising the continent’s growing diversity at the highest level of competition.

The 2025 CAF Awards showcased not only individual brilliance but also the rising competitive strength across African football, with Morocco emerging as the night’s biggest winner.

All the Winners

African Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain) – Winner

Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal) – Winner

Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids) – Winner

Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde) – Winner

Young African Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford) – Winner

Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco U-20 – Winner

Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids FC – Winner

African Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal) – Winner

African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion) – Winner.

Young African Women’s Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR) – Winner

Women’s National Team: Nigeria – Winner

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The accolade, presented at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, extends Nnadozie’s dominance in a category introduced only in 2023 — and one she has ruled unchallenged since its inception.

Nnadozie’s latest honour comes on the back of a remarkable year for both club and country. She played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations triumph on July 26 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, where she was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.

Her rising global profile was further underscored earlier in the year when she finished 5th in the inaugural Yashin Trophy for women at the France Football Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony — the highest-ever placement by an African goalkeeper.

With this latest CAF crown, the 24-year-old continues to strengthen her reputation as a continental and global benchmark in women’s goalkeeping.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will honour the continent’s brightest football stars this Wednesday, as the prestigious CAF Awards return to Morocco.

The ceremony, scheduled for 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), will be held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Rabat.

Created to recognise excellence in African football, the CAF Awards spotlight both individual brilliance and collective achievement across male and female categories. The event celebrates players, coaches, clubs, national teams, and emerging talents who have made a significant impact over the past year.

This year’s ceremony will be co-hosted by Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo and Moroccan comedian Oualass, adding a blend of continental artistry and humour to the gala.

Guests will also enjoy performances by Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, Congolese legend Awilo Longomba, and Ghanaian Afrobeats star Fuse ODG.

A total of 12 categories will be presented on the night, including the headline honours of African Player of the Year and African Women’s Player of the Year.

However, due to the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt, the winners for Women’s Coach of the Year, Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, and Women’s Club of the Year will be announced at a later date.

CAF has also unveiled the top three nominees across several categories:

Men’s Categories

African Player of the Year:
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)

Goalkeeper of the Year:
Yassine Bounou (Morocco/Al Hilal), Munir Mohamedi (Morocco/RS Berkane), Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)

Interclub Player of the Year:
Mohamed Chibi (Morocco/Pyramids), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)

Men’s Coach of the Year:
Bubista (Cape Verde), Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U-20), Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Young Player of the Year:
Othmane Maamma (Morocco/Watford), Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco/Ajax), Tylon Smith (South Africa/QPR)

Men’s National Team of the Year:
Cape Verde, Morocco, Morocco U-20

Men’s Club of the Year:
Mamelodi Sundowns, Pyramids, RS Berkane

Women’s Categories

African Women’s Player of the Year:
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/PSG), Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal), Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year:
Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns), Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton)

Young Women’s Player of the Year:
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens), Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR), Adji Ndiaye (Senegal/AS Bambey)

Women’s National Team:

Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria

With Morocco heavily represented across numerous categories and hosting the ceremony for another year, anticipation is high as the continent awaits the crowning of Africa’s football royalty.

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*From 1992 to 1999, the African Ballon d’Or was awarded by France Football, before CAF took over and renamed it “African Player of the Year” starting in 2000.

CAF African Goalkeeper of the Year

CAF Young African Player of the Year

CAF Interclub Player of the Year

CAF Men’s Coach of the Year

CAF Club of the Year

CAF National Team of the Year

*The National Team of the Year award was given by France Football from 1980 to 2004, before CAF took over in 2005.

Women’s Categories

CAF African Women’s Player of the Year

CAF Women’s Interclub Player of the Year

CAF Young Women’s Player of the Year

CAF African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

CAF Women’s Coach of the Year

CAF Women’s Club of the Year

CAF Women’s National Team of the Year

Mixed Category

CAF Goal of the Year

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The ceremony, which begins at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), will celebrate Africa’s top football talents while showcasing the continent’s cultural richness through its choice of presenters.

Kidjo, one of Africa’s most decorated artists, brings more than 30 years of international acclaim to the role.

The Beninese singer and five-time Grammy Award winner is widely revered for her fusion of world music and African rhythms. Beyond her musical achievements, Kidjo has been recognised by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential women and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, education and the protection of African cultural heritage.

Joining her is Moroccan comedian and actor Oualass, whose rapid rise in popularity has made him a household name across North Africa and beyond. Known for his humour, improvisational style and ability to engage diverse audiences, Oualass is expected to bring vibrancy and charm to the event.

CAF said the pairing reflects its vision of celebrating not only football excellence but also the continent’s artistic diversity and cultural depth.

The 2025 CAF Awards will honour the standout players, coaches and teams from across Africa over the past year.

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The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 19 November, in Rabat, Morocco, where the continent’s top players, coaches, clubs and national teams will be honoured.

CAF Player of the Year

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah is shortlisted after playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph last season, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists in 38 matches. His influence also extended to the international stage, helping Egypt qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi enjoyed a trophy-laden campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup while also reaching the FIFA Club World Cup final. He was equally instrumental in Morocco’s successful World Cup qualification campaign.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, completes the list after netting an impressive 37 goals in 41 matches in the 2024/25 season. His prolific form has continued into the current campaign.

CAF Goalkeeper of the Year

Morocco’s Munir Mohamedi earns recognition for his role in guiding RS Berkane to the CAF Confederation Cup title and their first-ever Botola Pro championship.

Fellow Moroccan Yassine Bonou continues to cement his status as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, impressing for Al Hilal and earning a place in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams is nominated after captaining Bafana Bafana to World Cup qualification and leading Mamelodi Sundowns to their eighth successive domestic league title, as well as the CAF Champions League final.

CAF Interclub Player of the Year

DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele is shortlisted after finishing top scorer in the CAF Champions League, helping Pyramids clinch their maiden continental crown.

Moroccan defender Mohamed Chibi is also recognised for his outstanding performances in Pyramids’ title-winning campaign.

RS Berkane’s Oussama Lamlioui, who scored six crucial goals in their Confederation Cup triumph and contributed to their league title, completes the list.

CAF Coach of the Year

Cape Verde’s Bubista headlines the nominees after guiding the island nation to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.

Morocco U-20 coach Mohamed Ouahbi is shortlisted for leading his side to the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup title.

Morocco senior team coach Walid Regragui is recognised after maintaining a perfect record in 2025 and steering the Atlas Lions to the 2026 World Cup following their historic 2022 semi-final run.

CAF Young Player of the Year

Moroccan teenager Abdellah Ouazane is nominated after starring in his country’s CAF Under-17 AFCON triumph, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

His compatriot Othmane Maamma, instrumental in Morocco’s U-20 World Cup victory and now with Watford, also makes the list.

South African defender Tylon Smith, a standout as his team won the U-20 AFCON, rounds off the nominees.

CAF National Team of the Year

Three teams are shortlisted:

• Cape Verde – for sealing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
• Morocco – for a strong year, including winning the 2024 African Nations Championship.
• Morocco U-20 – for capturing their first FIFA Under-20 World Cup title.

CAF Club of the Year

Egypt’s Pyramids lead the finalists after winning the CAF Champions League for the first time.

Morocco’s RS Berkane also make the list, having won the Confederation Cup for a record-equalling third time and securing their maiden Botola Pro title.

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns complete the category after extending their league title streak to eight and reaching the CAF Champions League final.

The winners will be announced during Wednesday’s ceremony as African football celebrates its finest performers of the year.

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The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 19 November, at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) in the Moroccan capital, where Africa’s top players, teams and officials will be honoured. In the build-up, CAF has profiled the standout performers vying for honours in the women’s categories.

Women’s Player of the Year

Three of the continent’s most influential attackers headline the shortlist.

Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
The former WAFCON Player of the Tournament earned her nomination after another commanding season for club and country. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most complete forwards, Chebbak remains central to Morocco’s continued rise, thanks to her leadership and creative influence.

Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
The reigning CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament continues to shine for AS FAR and Morocco. At 25, her dynamic style, relentless work rate and consistency have made her one of the continent’s most exciting attacking forces. She is also the Moroccan Women’s Championship Player of the Year.

Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Paris Saint-Germain)
The Nigerian forward, now one of Africa’s most complete attacking players, strengthened her case with inspired performances for the Super Falcons and PSG. She was recently named Player of the Tournament at the last WAFCON, where Nigeria secured their record-extending 10th continental title.

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

The shortlist features three of Africa’s most reliable shot-stoppers.

Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
A four-time Best Goalkeeper in the Moroccan Women’s Championship, Er-Rmichi has been a pillar of stability for AS FAR and continues to be recognised for her composure and command in goal.

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton & Hove Albion)
The reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Best Goalkeeper at the latest WAFCON, Nnadozie remains one of the world’s most influential young keepers. She will be aiming for her third consecutive award after wins in 2023 and 2024.

Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
A two-time CAF Women’s Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year, Dlamini has maintained high levels of performance despite Sundowns’ struggles in the last continental campaign.

Women’s Young Player of the Year

CAF’s recognition of emerging talent highlights three rising stars.

Doha El Madani (20) — Morocco/AS FAR
The Moroccan Women’s Championship Young Player of the Year impressed in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she was named Young Player of the Tournament. Her rapid growth puts her among Africa’s brightest prospects.

Adji Ndiaye (19) — Senegal/AS Bambey
A young goalkeeper with remarkable composure, Ndiaye has become one of Senegal’s most promising talents. Her performances underline the nation’s growing investment in women’s football.

Shakirat Abidemi Moshood — Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens
Captain of the Flamingos, Moshood has shown maturity, leadership and impact well beyond her age, marking her as one of Nigeria’s most promising young players.

Women’s National Team of the Year

Three national teams were shortlisted based on their achievements during the period under review.

Ghana
The Black Queens’ resurgence, capped by a third-place finish at the last WAFCON, earned them recognition for improved cohesion and competitive consistency.

Morocco
Back-to-back WAFCON runners-up, the Atlas Lionesses continue to benefit from long-term investment and tactical sophistication, establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most ambitious sides.

Nigeria
Record 10-time African champions, the Super Falcons remain the continent’s benchmark for excellence. Their depth, mentality and sustained success have secured yet another nomination.

The winners in all categories will be revealed on Wednesday night as African football celebrates another year of exceptional achievements.

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The ceremony, which kicks off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT), will feature three acclaimed performers—Douaa Lahyaoui, Awilo Longomba and Fuse ODG—each bringing a distinct sound and generational influence to Africa’s biggest football awards night.

Moroccan rising star Douaa Lahyaoui will open the cultural showcase, representing the new wave of Moroccan talent making its mark across the continent.

Known for her impressive vocal range and her blend of Moroccan musical roots with modern pop and international influences, Lahyaoui has quickly become a standout presence at major national events.

Her participation highlights Morocco’s emerging artistic generation and its growing connection to contemporary African music.

She will be followed by an electrifying performance from Congolese soukous icon Awilo Longomba, whose timeless hits and high-energy stage presence have made him one of the most recognisable names in African music.

With a career spanning decades and adorned with global accolades, Awilo’s appearance reinforces the enduring prominence of Congolese rhythms in Africa’s cultural landscape.

Rounding off the line-up is Anglo-Ghanaian Afrobeats star Fuse ODG, a MOBO Award winner known for his cross-continental hits and collaborations that have helped propel Afrobeats onto the global stage.

Celebrated for bridging musical influences between Accra and London, Fuse ODG brings what organisers describe as “energy, warmth and lightness” to the evening.

The 2025 CAF Awards will honour Africa’s top players, coaches, clubs and national teams from the period under review, with notable nominees and guests expected to grace the event in Rabat.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed the three-man shortlist on Sunday, narrowing the field to some of the continent’s biggest stars. The ceremony is scheduled for November 19 in the Moroccan capital.

Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions and a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain, enters the final vote as the favourite after a remarkable season in which he helped PSG secure a historic quadruple—winning Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the French Cup and the Champions Trophy. His performances also earned him a 6th-place finish in the global France Football Ballon d’Or rankings.

Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, a two-time winner of the award in 2017 and 2018, returns to the final shortlist following another influential year for club and country. Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who claimed the African Player of the Year title in 2022, is also in contention after a strong season that reaffirmed his status as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.

The winner of the 2025 African Footballer of the Year—often referred to as the African Ballon d’Or—will be crowned during Wednesday’s ceremony, which will also honour standout performers across multiple categories in African football.

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The glamorous ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time), will celebrate the best players, coaches, clubs, and national teams across the continent whose performances have defined African football over the past year.

According to CAF’s official statement, the annual event “will reward the best players, coaches, clubs and national teams on the continent for the past season,” underscoring its status as the premier stage for recognising football excellence in Africa.

Rabat’s selection as host city marks a return to familiar territory — the Moroccan capital has in recent years become a preferred venue for major continental events, reflecting the North African nation’s growing influence in African football administration and infrastructure.

Among the awards to be presented on the night are:

• CAF African Player of the Year (Men and Women)
• CAF Coach of the Year (Men and Women)
• National Team of the Year (Men and Women)
• Club of the Year (Men and Women)
• CAF Young Player of the Year

The spotlight will once again shine on the prestigious African Player of the Year categories, where Nigeria’s stars have dominated recent editions. Ademola Lookman claimed the men’s crown in 2024, following compatriot Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. Senegal’s Sadio Mané had earlier lifted the title in 2019 and 2022, while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah won in 2018.

On the women’s side, Zambia’s Barbra Banda is the reigning queen after her 2024 win, succeeding Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, who captured the award in 2019, 2022, and 2023. South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana remains memorable as the 2018 winner.

This year’s event is expected to draw top football administrators, legends, and dignitaries from across Africa and beyond. With Morocco hosting yet another high-profile CAF ceremony, Rabat is poised to reaffirm its status as the epicentre of African football celebration.

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