The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its final three contenders for the 2025 Men’s Player of the Year award: Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. The winner will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony this week in Rabat.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen completes the trio after a remarkable season in which he topped his league’s scoring charts and played a pivotal role in guiding Galatasaray to major silverware. Throughout the campaign, his dominant physical presence, relentless work rate, and clinical finishing set him apart from his peers.
Osimhen consistently delivered in crucial moments, showing an impressive blend of strength, speed, and composure that kept his team competitive on all fronts. His ability to influence games both inside and outside the box further solidified his reputation as a high-impact striker. With every match, he demonstrated why he remains one of Africa’s most dynamic and dependable forwards, continuing to elevate his standing on the continent and in global football.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah returns to the final shortlist after yet another remarkable year with Liverpool, reaffirming his status as one of the most influential players in world football. Throughout the season, he delivered consistent, high-level performances, scoring crucial goals, creating chances, and providing the attacking spark that helped Liverpool achieve Premier League success.
Beyond his club achievements, Salah also played a decisive role for the Egyptian national team, helping them to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. His experience, leadership on and off the pitch, and unwavering reliability in big moments continue to set him apart. These qualities, combined with his sustained excellence throughout the year, make his nomination both expected and well-deserved.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi’s place among the finalists follows an exceptional year for both club and country. The Moroccan star was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph and played a crucial role throughout their domestic treble campaign. His consistency, work rate, and ability to influence matches on both ends of the pitch earned him widespread praise.
Beyond his defensive solidity, Hakimi’s trademark pace, intelligent runs, and precise deliveries made him one of PSG’s most reliable creative outlets. For Morocco, he remained a cornerstone of the national team, providing leadership, experience, and high-level performances in key fixtures. Altogether, his impact across major competitions has reinforced his reputation as one of the world’s most complete full-backs and made his inclusion among the finalists well deserved.
Fans across the continent are eagerly debating the outcome. Supporters of each finalist point to standout achievements, from Salah’s consistency to Hakimi’s continental triumphs and Osimhen’s explosive season. With the voting panel evaluating a mix of club success and national team impact, the race remains wide open.
The ceremony in Rabat on November 19 is set to celebrate not only Africa’s top individual performers but also rising stars and the continent’s growing influence in football.
