The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the finalists for its prestigious 2025 awards, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showdown among some of the continent’s biggest football stars.

In the highly coveted Player of the Year (Men) category, three football heavyweights have made the final shortlist:

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/Nigeria)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco)

Osimhen, who clinched the award in 2023, makes a strong return after a rollercoaster year that saw him switch clubs and rediscover form. Salah, a perennial favourite, continues to demonstrate world-class consistency, while Hakimi’s influential performances for club and country place him deservedly in the conversation.

Last year, the crown went to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, and many eyes will again be on the Super Eagles’ camp to see if the trophy remains in West Africa.

On the women’s side, Nigeria also shines brightly.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been named among the final three nominees for Player of the Year (Women). She is joined by Morocco’s dynamic duo:

Ghizlane Chebbak
Sanaa Mssoudy

Ajibade’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring—her leadership, flair and consistency for both club and country continue to elevate African women’s football on the global stage.

The 2025 CAF Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco, where African football excellence will be celebrated in grand fashion.

Opinion: A Year of Power Shifts—and a Battle of Icons

This year’s CAF Awards feel different—not just because of the names on the list, but because of the stories behind them.

Victor Osimhen’s return to the top three is a testament to pure resilience. From injuries to transfers to intense scrutiny, the Nigerian striker has fought through it all. His presence proves one thing: true class can be slowed, but not silenced.

Mohamed Salah, on the other hand, represents enduring greatness. Every year people doubt, and every year he delivers. If consistency had a face, it would be his.

Achraf Hakimi rounds off the trio, showing how influential a defender can be in the modern game. His inclusion highlights a shift in African football—where defensive brilliance now sits comfortably beside attacking flair.

On the women’s side, Ajibade’s nomination is more than personal recognition; it is symbolic of Nigeria’s deep talent pipeline. Her Moroccan challengers, Chebbak and Mssoudy, reflect the fast-rising dominance of North African women’s football.

As we await November 19, one thing is clear: African football is no longer just competing; it is evolving, elevating and rewriting its own standards. And this year’s finalists embody that growth perfectly.