Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi lead star-studded race as CAF Awards hold tonight

African football’s brightest stars are set for a showdown in Rabat tonight as the 2025 CAF Awards take place at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

The ceremony will celebrate the continent’s finest players, coaches, and teams over a 10–month period of competitive football, from January 6 to October 15, 2025.

Big Names in the Spotlight

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner of the Men’s Player of the Year award, returns as a top contender. He faces stiff competition from Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah and Moroccan superstar Achraf Hakimi.

On the women’s side, the Super Falcons are strongly represented with captain Rasheedat Ajibade in contention for Women’s Player of the Year. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, already a two-time winner, is chasing a remarkable third straight crown.

A Night of Music, Culture, and Celebration

Beninese legend Angélique Kidjo and Moroccan comedian Oualass will anchor the ceremony. The event will also feature musical performances from Moroccan vocalist Douaa Lahyaoui, Congo’s Awilo Longomba, and Ghana’s Fuse ODG, blending sport with African creativity and culture.

Awards on the Line

CAF will present honours across key categories, including:

Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year

Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

Young Player Awards

Interclub Player of the Year

Coach of the Year

Club and National Team of the Year

Goal of the Year

Due to the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt, some women’s categories—such as Coach of the Year and Club of the Year—will be announced later.

The Finalists

Men’s Shortlists

Player of the Year:

Achraf Hakimi • Mohamed Salah • Victor Osimhen

Goalkeeper of the Year:

Yassine Bounou • Munir Mohamedi • Ronwen Williams

Interclub Player:

Mohamed Chibi • Oussama Lamlioui • Fiston Mayele

Coach of the Year:

Bubista • Mohamed Ouahbi • Walid Regragui

Young Player:

Othmane Maamma • Abdellah Ouazane • Tylon Smith

National Team of the Year:

Cape Verde • Morocco • Morocco U-20

Club of the Year:

Mamelodi Sundowns • Pyramids • RS Berkane

Women’s Shortlists

Player of the Year:

Rasheedat Ajibade • Ghizlaine Chebbak • Sanaa Mssoudy

Goalkeeper of the Year:

Andile Dlamini • Khadija Er-Rmichi • Chiamaka Nnadozie

Young Player of the Year:

Shakirat Abidemi Moshood • Doha El Madani • Adji Ndiaye

National Team of the Year:

Ghana • Morocco • Nigeria

With top African talents gathered in Morocco and a constellation of categories up for grabs, tonight’s CAF Awards promise intense anticipation, emotional victories, and a showcase of the best the continent has to offer.