The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released its official shortlist for the 2025 African Player of the Year Award, featuring some of the continent’s brightest football talents from clubs across Europe and Africa. The announcement, made on Wednesday, sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the annual awards. Although CAF has not yet confirmed the ceremony date, fans are already speculating who will take home the continent’s top football honor.
Among the frontrunners are Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), who remains a global icon for his consistency; Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain), who helped PSG to another Ligue 1 title; and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray), who continues to be one of Africa’s most prolific strikers after his record-breaking Serie A season with Napoli before his transfer to Turkey. Other nominees include Frank Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli), Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids FC), Denis Bouanga (Gabon, Los Angeles FC), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco, RS Berkane), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal, Everton), and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal, Tottenham Hotspur).
The awards will also honour winners in several other categories, including Best Goalkeeper, Best Young Player, Best Coach, Best Club, and National Team of the Year celebrating excellence both on and off the pitch. Last year’s ceremony saw Victor Osimhen crowned Africa’s best male footballer, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. With another season of stellar performances across the continent and Europe, this year’s contest is expected to be fiercely competitive.
