The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released the full list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, featuring a star-studded lineup led by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi in the men’s category, alongside standout female talents Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
The awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, later this year, will celebrate the continent’s finest footballers, clubs, and coaches, recognizing excellence both on and off the pitch over the past season.
Victor Osimhen, who powered Napoli to a strong Serie A campaign and continues to be one of Africa’s top scorers in Europe, is widely regarded as one of the favorites. The Nigerian forward, who won the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, is looking to defend his crown.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool also returns to the list, following another consistent Premier League season marked by high goal contributions and leadership for Egypt’s national team. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez are also strong contenders, with Hakimi’s Champions League performances for Paris Saint-Germain earning him plaudits.
CAF’s statement noted, “The 2025 nominees represent the very best of African football, showcasing exceptional skill, leadership, and passion that continue to make Africa proud on the global stage.”
Other notable names include Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Senegal’s Sadio Mané (Al Nassr), and Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas).
The women’s category also promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Nigeria’s six-time winner Asisat Oshoala, fresh from her exploits with Barcelona Femeni, faces stiff competition from Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who has become a rising force in international football, and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga, who continues to impress in the Chinese Women’s Super League.
Other notable nominees include Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa, Uchenna Kanu of Nigeria, and Fatima Tagnaout of Morocco all recognized for their consistent performances and leadership on the pitch.
CAF described the women’s shortlist as “a reflection of the growth and impact of women’s football across Africa, from club level to international competition.”
In the Club of the Year category, Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Enyimba (Nigeria) made the shortlist, following impressive continental campaigns.
For Coach of the Year, nominees include Walid Regragui (Morocco), José Peseiro (Nigeria), and Aliou Cissé (Senegal), all recognized for leading their teams to major tournament achievements.
CAF also announced categories for Young Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and National Team of the Year for both men and women, with Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa earning multiple nominations across the board.
The release of the nominee list has sparked excitement and debate on social media, with football fans across the continent celebrating their favorite players.
“Osimhen deserves it again he carried Nigeria and Napoli with pure class,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another commented, “Barbra Banda’s rise shows the future of African women’s football is bright. She’s fearless and unstoppable.”
Sports pundits have also praised CAF for improving transparency in the selection process, noting that performance metrics and international representation are now better reflected in the nominations.
The 2025 CAF Awards will not only honor individual excellence but also mark a celebration of African football’s growing influence globally. According to CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, this year’s event will highlight Africa’s success stories and its “commitment to elevating football development across all levels.”
Motsepe stated, “African players continue to make us proud worldwide, from grassroots to global stages. These awards celebrate their hard work, discipline, and the spirit of the continent.”
Winners will be determined through a voting process involving national team coaches, captains, CAF technical experts, and selected media representatives.
As excitement builds, fans are already anticipating whether Victor Osimhen will make history with back-to-back Player of the Year wins or if Mohamed Salah will reclaim his throne as Africa’s most decorated footballer.
