For over 2 decades, the CAF awards have served as a symbol of inspiration and appreciation for outstanding African players on the global stage. Over the years, legendary players have etched their name in the history books — players like Samuel Eto who remarkably claimed the Player of the year award three times in a row, and Yaya Toure who dominated the premier League with Manchester city and went on to claim this honour four consecutive times.

To date, the legacy of these football icons have continued to shape the continent's pride while ensuring that the CAF awards remain as reputable as ever.

THE 2025 CAF AWARDS

The stage is set once again for Africa’s biggest football celebration — the CAF Awards 2025. Nations will once again gather, and generations of greatness will sit together all under one roof — the past, the present and future of African football.

Official reports give that this year's consideration period spans from 6 January to 15 October, 2025 — a period defined by breathtaking performances, underdog stories and an unrelenting race for glory across continents.

MEET THE CONTENDERS

On Monday 20, October, CAF via their official website announced the shortlisted nominees for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year Award marking the beginning of what promises to be another thrilling race for Africa’s most prestigious individual honour in football.

The shortlisted nominees for this year's award include:

Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa

Frank Anguissa, a native of Cameroon and a certified SERIE A Center midfielder playing for Napoli. Following Napoli’s Serie A triumph, in what could be described as an outstanding season for the Italian side, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa further cemented his reputation as the engine of Napoli’s midfield. His composure on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to transition play made him indispensable throughout the campaign, contributing decisively to both domestic and European success.

Frank, in retrospect, has had quite the year — from being named Serie A Player of the Month in January to later being voted Napoli Player of the Month in August. His consistency, composure, and leadership in midfield were crucial to Napoli’s campaign, culminating in the club lifting the Serie A title in May 2025.

Mohammed Salah

Arguably one of — if not the — greatest African footballers of all time, it comes as no surprise that Mohamed Salah makes the list of Africa's top 10 players of the year. A player who seems to defy the concept of a “prime,” Salah continues to evolve season after season.

The Egyptian king delivered what may well be his finest Premier League campaign yet, topping both the goals and assists charts for the 2024/2025 season with 29 goals and 18 assists — becoming one of the very few players in Premier League history to achieve such a remarkable double.

The year 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for Salah. This year, the Egyptian king won both the Premier League's Golden boot and playmaker of the seasonawards after an extraordinary campaign.

This feat established him as one of only four players in Premier League history to have ever topped both the goals and assists chart in a single season, and the only player to have done so twice. In doing so, Salah also tied Thierry Henry's record of four Golden boots, thus cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League's all time greats.

It is also worth noting that Salah was instrumental in his nation's qualification into the 2026 World Cup.

Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi isn't just another name on the list, the Moroccan talent has established himself as one of the finest defenders of his generation.

At P.S.G, Hakimi was pivotal to the historic campaign that saw PSG secure a domestic treble, and, most notably — their first Champions League trophy after a dominant 5-0 win over inter where he opened the scoring.

For his brilliance and consistency, he was awarded the Prix Marc-Vivien Foé for best African player in Ligue 1, solidifying his reputation among the continent’s best.

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen once again proves why he is at the forefront of African football excellence following what might be his best season at Galatasaray. Having won this coveted price i. 2023, Osimhen seeks to do it again.

Osimhen this year piled up several awards while breaking individual records. He led Galatasaray to a historic double — winning both the Turkish Süper Lig as well as the Turkish Cup, and was awarded the Golden boot for being the League's top scorer for that season with an outstanding 35 goal tally. For his heroics, he was named Galatasaray player of the season.

This year alone, Osimhen was recognised for surpassing various records and milestones.

• He broke the record of most goals scored by a Galatasaray player surpassing Mario Jardel's 34 goal tally in the 2000-2001 season.

• Osimhen became the first foreign player in Galatasaray’s history to score twice in a Turkish Cup final.

• Osimhen also became the first player in a decade to register a goal or assist in each of his first six Super Lig matches for Galatasaray.

Iliman Ndiaye

Ndiaye has swiftly emerged to be one of Africa's brightest stars. The Senegalese player since his debut in Everton has proven to be a starter-worthy player netting nine goals in his 33 league appearances.

Ndiaye's remarkable performance at both club level has without doubt earned him a spot on the 2025 CAF Player of the year Shortlist.

Fiston Mayele

Fiston Mayele has established himself to be one of the most talented and exciting talent playing in Africa. The Dr Congo striker was instrumental in Pyramids FC clinching or their first CAF Champions League title with a crucial goal in the finals against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mayele scored a decisive goal in their CAF super cup win, and also scored a hat-trick in the CAF Intercontinental cup quarterfinals against Al Ahli. Mayele being the only African based player to make the list has without doubt merited a spot on this year's shortlist following such a splendid spell.

Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga — Gabon's finest striker also merited the list this year. The winger played a crucial role in LAFC'S run to the MLS CUP final even if they fell short of lifting the trophy.

Denis performance this season, from his outstanding goals to creative assists, has established himself to be one of Africa's finest talent in the MLS.

Serhou Guirassy

Serhou Guirassy has emerged as one of Guinea's finest exports in European football this season. The striker has become an integral part of the Borussia Dortmund squad, scoring crucial goals and ensuring Dortmund maintains it's competitive nature in the Bundesliga.

His outstanding performance both internationally and domestically has cemented his place among Africa's elite, meriting a spot on the 2025 CAF Player of the Year Shortlist.

Oussama Lamliouli

Oussama Lamliouli — the second Moroccan on the list has proven to be one of the Africa's brightest talents making waves both domestically and internationally. At RS Berkane, he was pivotal to his team securing the Botola Pro League title as well as the CAF Confederation Cup.

On the International stage, Lamliouli was instrumental to his country winning the Africa Nation Championship (CHAN) where he earned the Puma Top Scorer award for finishing with six goals.

His outstanding performance has undoubtedly earned him a spot among Africa's best players this year.

Pape Matar Sarr

Pape Matar Sarr closes this list as the last, but certainly not the least, nominee. At Tottenham, Sarr has consistently delivered in the midfield, balancing defensive roles with creative openings helping his team remain competitive since the 2025/26 season began.

This year, Sarr played a pivotal role in Tottenham's European campaign, which ultimately earned them the UEFA Europa League title — their first major European trophy in over four decades.

As the 2025 CAF race unfolds, the list of nominees reflect the rich quality of players Africa boasts of today, players who have continued to dominate both domestically and at the global stage. And irrespective of whoever wears the crown, one thing remains clear — African footballers will continue

to break new grounds, dominate the biggest stages and inspire generations after them