The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced its highly anticipated ten-man shortlist for the prestigious 2025 African Footballer of the Year award. The competition is expected to be intensely fierce, featuring prominent figures such as Liverpool's icon Mohamed Salah, Paris Saint-Germain's dynamic defender Achraf Hakimi, and Galatasaray's prolific striker Victor Osimhen. Notably, the reigning award holder, Ademola Lookman, did not receive a nomination following a challenging period with Atalanta.

The CAF list showcases some of the continent's most exceptional talents, each demonstrating remarkable performances for their respective clubs and national teams. The nominees, evaluated for their impact and contributions over the past year, represent a blend of established superstars and emerging forces in African football.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG – €80m)

At just 26 years old, Achraf Hakimi stands out as arguably the most complete right-back produced by Africa in a generation. His electrifying pace, tactical intelligence, and unique ability to transition seamlessly from defence to devastating counter-attacks have made him an indispensable asset for both PSG and the Moroccan national team. In a season where PSG underwent significant offensive restructuring post-Mbappé, Hakimi frequently emerged as a primary creative catalyst, contributing an impressive 11 goals and 15 assists across 88 appearances in all competitions. For Morocco, he remains the undeniable heartbeat, a natural leader, and the tactical metronome dictating their play.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray – €75m)

Following his remarkable exploits at Napoli, Victor Osimhen's move to Galatasaray has propelled his stardom to unprecedented heights. The Nigerian striker has been in sensational form this year, netting 29 goals in 44 games and quickly becoming a fan favourite in Istanbul. His prolific scoring was instrumental in leading the Turkish giants to both league and cup triumphs. Osimhen's relentless energy, tireless pressing, and extraordinary ability to score with both his head and feet continue to fuel Nigeria’s aspirations in the World Cup qualifiers, embodying the true essence of African firepower as an elite striker.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund – €45m)

Serhou Guirassy's season can be characterized as a masterclass in patience and precision. While his return of 10 goals in 26 games might not immediately stand out, the context is crucial, as many of these goals were scored in pivotal Bundesliga and Champions League encounters for Borussia Dortmund. The Guinean forward's progression from Stuttgart’s talisman to Dortmund’s reliable No. 9 has been truly remarkable. He plays with an understated intelligence and impressive efficiency, epitomizing the kind of forward who elevates the performance of his teammates.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool – €45m)

Even at 33, Mohamed Salah continues to defy expectations, aging like fine Egyptian wine. With a staggering 61 goals and 34 assists across 106 matches, the Liverpool icon remains the vital creative and goalscoring engine for his club. Despite the emergence of new talents, Salah’s unparalleled leadership, consistent high-level performances, and composure in critical matches remain unmatched. Egypt’s hopes for qualification often rest heavily on his shoulders, a burden he carries with characteristic grace. Regardless of whether he clinches the award, Salah firmly holds his position as African football’s enduring standard-bearer.

Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal, Tottenham – €35m)

Tottenham’s young Senegalese midfielder, Pape Matar Sarr, has enjoyed a significant breakout year in North London. At just 23, Sarr has rapidly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising box-to-box players, blending composure, exceptional vision, and rigorous tactical discipline. His statistics of four goals and two assists only partially convey his influence; he acts as Spurs’ silent conductor, playing a crucial role in maintaining midfield rhythm. For the Senegalese national team, he has seamlessly stepped into the shoes of Idrissa Gueye, symbolizing the exciting next generation of the Teranga Lions.

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal, Everton – €35m)

Everton’s Senegalese winger, Iliman Ndiaye, is a captivating blend of chaos and artistry on the pitch. His three goals and six assists this season do not fully encapsulate the profound transformation he brought to Everton’s right flank. Quick, direct, and utterly fearless, Ndiaye is the archetypal winger who poses constant threats and gives opposing defenders sleepless nights. In the national team setup, his dynamic partnership with Pape Matar Sarr has injected an exhilarating flair and unpredictability into Senegal’s attacking play.

Frank Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli – €27m)

A formidable midfield powerhouse whose engine seemingly never quits, Frank Anguissa continues to impress with his consistent performances in Italy. With five goals and two assists from 66 games, his influence extends far beyond mere statistics. Napoli’s overall balance frequently hinges on his exceptional ability to win duels, orchestrate smooth transitions in play, and cover vast expanses of the pitch. For Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, he has emerged as a modern-day general, leading by both example and formidable strength in the heart of the midfield.

Denis Bouanga (Gabon, LAFC – €8m)

Across the Atlantic, Denis Bouanga has been an undeniable sensation in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Gabonese winger delivered an impressive 16 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances for LAFC, emphatically demonstrating that African footballing excellence transcends geographical boundaries. His exceptional form has solidified his status as a cult hero among Los Angeles fans and positioned him as a notable ambassador for African players thriving in the American league. Bouanga's goals were pivotal, almost powering Gabon to a historic first World Cup appearance. At 30, he is arguably playing the finest football of his career.

Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids FC – €1.8m)

While Fiston Mayele may not ply his trade in Europe, the Congolese forward has been instrumental in elevating Pyramids FC to new heights in both the Egyptian Premier League and the CAF Confederation Cup. With five goals and two assists in 30 matches, Mayele’s exceptional work ethic and inspiring leadership have garnered widespread admiration, often surpassing what mere statistics can convey. His inclusion in this elite list serves as a powerful reminder that the greatness of African football is by no means confined solely to European leagues.

Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco, RS Berkane – €700k)

A remarkable tally of six goals in just six games was all it took for Oussama Lamlioui to force his way onto this esteemed shortlist. The RS Berkane striker has proven to be a revelation in domestic competitions, combining ruthless finishing with intelligent and deceptive movement off the ball. For Moroccan football, his rapid ascent symbolizes a growing depth of talent and instills hope, providing compelling proof that homegrown talent continues to flourish within the nation’s leagues.

Predicting the Final Rankings

The ultimate question remains: who will ultimately lift the golden trophy? CAF voters typically prioritize a blend of impact on both continental and international stages, factoring in club success, national team heroics, and overall star power. The frontrunners for the CAF African Footballer of the Year award are widely considered to be Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and Achraf Hakimi.

Based on these criteria, the top contenders are predicted to shake out as follows:

10. Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco) – Despite brilliant local performances, limited continental exposure may hinder his chances.

9. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo) – An inspirational figure, but competing outside Europe generally lessens impact on CAF voters.

8. Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – Outstanding in MLS, yet CAF voters historically seldom look towards Western leagues.

7. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) – A promising and unpredictable talent, though consistent high-level output remains a hurdle.

6. Frank Anguissa (Cameroon) – A solid and dependable two-time Serie A winner, but often overshadowed by more 'flashy' names.

5. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) – Maturing rapidly, but potentially a few seasons shy of full superstardom.

4. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – Europe’s quiet achiever; however, without major silverware, a podium finish seems unlikely.

3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – An embodiment of eternal brilliance, but perhaps his story is too familiar for CAF voters seeking a fresh narrative.

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Leading Galatasaray to glory and inspiring Nigeria, he is redefining the archetype of the modern African striker.

1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – The undeniable man of the moment. His electrifying performances for both PSG and Morocco make him a continental symbol of modern excellence. He is the clear frontrunner to succeed Ademola Lookman and become the first Moroccan to win the coveted CAF crown since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.