Full List: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi Make Final Shortlist for CAF Player of the Year Award (2025)

CAF releases the final shortlist for the 2025 Awards, with Salah, Hakimi, and Osimhen leading the race for Player of the Year.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the final three-man shortlist for each category in the men’s division of the CAF Awards 2025, intensifying excitement across the continent. The annual ceremony, widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition platform for African football excellence, will be held on 19 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, beginning at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT).
This year’s awards celebrate outstanding footballers, coaches, clubs, and national teams whose performances between 6 January and 15 October 2025 shaped the landscape of African football. The announcement has already generated significant buzz among fans, especially as some of Africa’s biggest stars made the final cut.

The highly coveted CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award will be contested by three of Africa’s most iconic footballers:

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)

These three football giants have had spectacular seasons, showcasing consistency, leadership, and world-class performance both on the domestic and continental stages. Their nominations reflect their strong influence not only in their clubs but also in their national teams.

Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian King Still Dominant
Mohamed Salah remains one of Africa’s most influential footballers. His season with Liverpool was marked by exceptional goal-scoring ability, creativity, and leadership on the field. Salah’s consistency over the years continues to make him a formidable name whenever individual awards are discussed.

Achraf Hakimi: The Moroccan Maestro Breaking Boundaries
Achraf Hakimi has grown into one of the best right-backs in modern football. With Paris Saint-Germain, he delivered thrilling performances marked by pace, precision, and defensive strength. His contributions to Morocco’s national team also strengthened his position on CAF’s radar.

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria’s Golden Boy Resurgent in 2025
2023’s African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, returned to the spotlight once again. Now playing for Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker continues to dominate defenders across Europe with his speed, agility, and goal-scoring instincts. His nomination reinforces his status as one of Africa’s finest forwards of this generation.

Breakdown of All Men’s Categories for CAF Awards 2025
CAF revealed the top three finalists across seven major men’s categories. Below is a detailed look at each category and the nominees.
1. Player of the Year (Men)

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain)
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)

This category remains the most watched and debated among fans, given that all three nominees are global stars with strong fan bases.

2. Goalkeeper of the Year

• Munir Mohamedi (Morocco/RS Berkane)
• Yassine Bonou (Morocco/Al Hilal)
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)

This category showcases the resilience and reliability of African goalkeepers. Yassine Bonou, famously known as “Bono,” is considered a favorite due to his international reputation, but the other nominees also delivered impressive seasons.

3. Interclub Player of the Year

• Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)
• Mohamed Chibi (Morocco/Pyramids)
• Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane)

These players stood out in CAF interclub competitions, particularly the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

4. Coach of the Year (Men)

• Bubista (Cape Verde)
• Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U-20)
• Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Morocco’s dominance in coaching continues, with two of the three shortlisted nominees coming from the country. Walid Regragui, who led Morocco to historic performances in recent years, stands out as a strong contender.

5. Young Player of the Year (Men)

• This category is exclusively for players aged 21 and below.
• Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco/Ajax)
• Othmane Maamma (Morocco/Watford)
• Tylon Smith (South Africa/Queens Park Rangers)

These young stars represent the future of African football, with each making significant strides both in Europe and at home.

6. National Team of the Year (Men)

• Pyramids
• RS Berkane
• Mamelodi Sundowns

These teams stood out with exceptional performances in regional and continental competitions, earning recognition for consistency and strategic excellence.

7. Club of the Year (Men)
(This usually overlaps with teams competing in CAF interclub competitions and domestic leagues.)
The nominations highlight clubs that demonstrated quality, discipline, and remarkable achievements throughout the year.

The Significance of the CAF Awards
The CAF Awards remain a cornerstone of African football tradition. Since their inception, the awards have sought to honor athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators who elevate the quality of football across the continent. Each category acknowledges individuals and teams that embody skill, hard work, resilience, and sportsmanship. For many players, being shortlisted is a remarkable honor; winning a CAF Award often cements their name in African football history.

Why the 2025 Edition Is Special
The 2025 edition comes at a time when African football is experiencing rapid growth, both in Europe and at home. Many African players are now stars in top global clubs, and national teams across the continent are becoming increasingly competitive.
Furthermore, Morocco hosting the awards adds to the glamour, considering the country's recent achievements in football development and hosting major tournaments.

What to Expect at the Ceremony in Rabat
The ceremony on 19 November 2025 promises glamour, emotional moments, and global attention. Football legends, rising stars, coaches, journalists, and sports stakeholders from around the world are expected to attend.

Highlights of the event will include:

• Red carpet arrival of nominees
• Performances celebrating African culture
• Presentation of CAF’s major awards
• Emotional speeches from winners
• Special recognition awards

Fans worldwide are expected to tune in, making it one of the most anticipated football events of the year.
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Conclusion
With the announcement of the final shortlists, excitement continues to build ahead of the CAF Awards 2025. Whether it is Salah’s brilliance, Hakimi’s versatility, or Osimhen’s explosive scoring ability, each nominee brings something unique to African football.
As we count down to the grand ceremony in Rabat, the entire continent, and indeed the world, eagerly awaits to see who will lift the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award and other honors.

By PrimeLineInfo