- Hakimi and Salah headline the men’s award race
- Senegal players earn recognition after World Cup qualification
- Lookman misses out despite winning last year
- Cape Verde coach nominated after historic achievement
- Ceremony date still not confirmed by CAF
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi makes the shortlist once again after a brilliant season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he helped the team win the league, domestic cup, and the Champions League. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah also returns, earning attention for winning the Premier League Golden Boot as his team regained the title.
The list also features Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, who both played a key role in helping Senegal book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023, appears on the list together with Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, DR Congo forward Fiston Mayele, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and Moroccan midfielder Oussama Lamlioui.
Salah previously won the trophy in 2017 and 2018, while Hakimi finished second in the past two editions. Despite winning last year, Ademola Lookman is missing from the 2025 shortlist. CAF appointed a group of football experts who selected players, teams, and coaches who made strong contributions between January 6 and October 15 this year.
Cape Verde coach Bubista is among the names in the Coach of the Year category after guiding the Blue Sharks to their first-ever World Cup qualification. Other successful African coaches who impressed at different age levels and competitions are also included on the shortlist.
Cape Verde’s senior team is also nominated for National Team of the Year. They face competition from several sides, including Morocco’s Under-20 team, which recently lifted the World Cup in their age category. Nations such as Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, and South Africa will also compete for the top award.
The Women’s Player of the Year shortlist features strong competition led by Nigeria stars Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade. Players from Zambia, Morocco, Ghana, and Malawi also earned their spots through consistent performances.
The women’s goalkeeper and coaching lists showcase talent from countries like South Africa, Egypt, Mali, DR Congo, Botswana, and Algeria.
CAF confirmed the shortlisted names for Player of the Year, Goalkeeper, Coach, and National Team for both men and women, showing the growth of African football across competitions and age groups.
CAF has not yet shared the official date for the ceremony, and fans across the continent are waiting eagerly to celebrate the achievements of their football heroes.
