The Confederation of African Football (CAF) today revealed the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, a roster recognising the continent’s standout male players, coaches, clubs and national sides for performances between 6 January and 15 October 2025.
A selection panel made up of CAF technical experts, veteran coaches, former stars and selected media representatives compiled the shortlists.
Big names lead the race for Men’s Player of the Year
At the top of the Men’s Player of the Year list are two global icons: Morocco’s full-back Achraf Hakimi, fresh from a remarkable campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, and Egypt’s talisman Mohamed Salah after another influential season for Liverpool.
DR Congo’s prolific Fiston Mayele, whose goals helped Pyramids FC lift the CAF Champions League, also features prominently among a competitive field that includes Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Victor Osimhen, Iliman Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr and others.
Goalkeepers, interclub stars and coaches recognised
The Goalkeeper of the Year shortlist blends established names and rising shot-stoppers. Morocco’s Yassine Bonou and Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali appear alongside South African incumbent Ronwen Williams and experienced custodians such as Andre Onana, Edouard Mendy and Ahmed El Shenawy.
Interclub Player of the Year nominations highlight those who shone in continental club competitions, with several Pyramids FC and RS Berkane standouts included, while the Coach of the Year list honours mentors from domestic, continental and CHAN assignments across Africa.
Youth and team categories underline depth of talent
Young players pushing through the ranks are acknowledged in the Men’s Young Player of the Year category, which features emerging prospects from across the continent. National Team of the Year and Club of the Year shortlists reflect collective achievement, with heavyweights from North, West and Southern Africa represented.
Historical note
CAF’s awards history is dominated by a handful of icons: Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré top the list with four Men’s Player of the Year trophies apiece.
Didier Drogba’s legacy is also notable for his frequent podium finishes. The 2024 Men’s Player of the Year was Ademola Lookman.
Selected nominees (highlights)
Men’s Player of the Year
Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa (Cameroon/Napoli), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Denis Bouanga (Gabon/LAFC), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal/Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal/Tottenham).
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Andre Onana, Vozinha, Ahmed El Shenawy, Munir Mohamedi, Yassine Bonou, Stanley Nwabali, Edouard Mendy, Marc Diouf, Ronwen Williams, Aymen Dahmen.
Men’s Interclub Player of the Year
Ismael Belkacemi, Blati Touré, Issoufou Dayo, Fiston Mayele, Ahmed Samy, Emam Ashour, Ibrahim Adel, Mohamed Hrimat, Mohamed Chibi, Oussama Lamlioui, Shomari Kapombe.
Men’s Coach of the Year
Bubista, Hossam Hassan, Krunoslav Jurcic, Sami Trabelsi, Romuald Rakotondrabe, Moine Chaabani, Tarik Sektioui, Mohamed Ouahbi, Walid Regragui, Pape Thiaw.
Men’s Young Player of the Year
Asharaf Tapsoba, Alynho Haidara, Noah Sadiki, Abdellah Ouazane, Houssam Essadak, Othmane Maamma, Daniel Bameyi, Momoh Kamara, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Tylon Smith.
Men’s National Team of the Year (ten shortlisted)
Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco U-20, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
Men’s Club of the Year (ten shortlisted)
CR Belouizdad, CS Constantine, ASEC Mimosas, Pyramids, RS Berkane, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch, Al Hilal (Sudan), Simba.
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