The crowning moment for the best players in Africa will happen this Wednesday at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco’s capital, Rabat.
The CAF Awards 2025 will celebrate outstanding players, coaches, teams and officials from the period under review, with a star-studded cast of nominees and guests in Rabat.
CAF has confirmed the final shortlist across different categories, with three nominees listed in each of them.
Here are the final nominees in each of the categories.
CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
Salah guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season, scoring 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 starts. He also helped Egypt qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi was outstanding as Paris Saint-Germain lifted the UEFA Champions League title and also won the French Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup, along with reaching the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. He also helped Morocco qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)
Striker Osimhen continues to be a prolific goalscorer for Galatasaray and managed 37 in 41 appearances in the 2024/25 season.
CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Munir Mohamedi (Morocco / RS Berkane)
He played a key role in helping RS Berkane to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title and their maiden Moroccan Botola Pro title in 2025.
Yassine Bonou (Morocco / Al Hilal)
The shot stopper has been a model of consistency for several years and was the same again in 2025 for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and the Morocco national team, who he helped to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification. He was named in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI in 2025.
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Mamelodi Sundowns captain guided them to their eighth Betway Premiership title in a row and captained Bafana Bafana to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, as well as assisting the Masandawana to reach the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids)
The Congolese forward finished as the leading scorer in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in the 2024/25 season, with his nine goals playing a crucial role in Egyptian club Pyramids lifting the trophy for the first time. He also continues to perform for DR Congo, who are in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed Chibi (Morocco / Pyramids)
Right-back Chibi was outstanding for Pyramids as they claimed the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in the 2024/25 season, with his attacking threat from the flank coupled with excellent defending.
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco / RS Berkane)
The striker netted six goals in helping RS Berkane to the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup title, many of them crucial. He was also influential in a maiden Botola Pro title win for the Moroccan club.
The lethal forward was also the top scorer with six goals as Morocco won CHAN 2024.
CAF COACH OF THE YEAR
Bubista (Cape Verde)
Bubista led Cape Verde to their maiden FIFA World Cup qualification as they topped a group that also included Cameroon to reach the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U-20)
Morocco lifted the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2025 trophy when they defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final, capping an excellent run in the competition under coach Ouahbi.
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Morocco has won every game they have played under Regragui in 2025 as they eased to qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will seek to improve on their record semi-final showing in Qatar in 2022.
CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco / Ajax)
Midfielder Ouazane was superb in guiding Morocco to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations title, where the 16-year-old was named Player of the Tournament.
Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford)
Winger Maamma played a starring role for Morocco as they lifted the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2025 trophy. He also had a breakthrough season at French Ligue 1 side Montpellier before moving to Watford.
Tylon Smith (South Africa / Queens Park Rangers)
Smith was a stalwart centre-back for South Africa as they claimed the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time and was named Player of the Tournament. That earned him a move to Queens Park Rangers.
CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Cape Verde
Cape Verde were superb in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be their maiden appearance at the global showpiece event.
Morocco
Morocco has had an excellent 2025, which includes lifting the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024 title when they defeated Madagascar in the final in Nairobi.
Morocco U-20
Morocco won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup 2025 for the first time with an excellent run through the tournament and a 2-0 win over Argentina in the final.
CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR
Pyramids
Pyramids lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/25 trophy when they defeated Mamelodi Sundowns in the final, their maiden win in Africa’s elite club competition.
RS Berkane
RS Berkane became the joint record three-time winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup in 2025 and also won a maiden Moroccan Botola Pro title to cap a wonderful year.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns extended their record number of consecutive South African league title wins to eight and also reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2024/25. They impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup as well.
WOMEN’S CATEGORY
CAF WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal)
Chebbak’s nomination reflects her continued influence as one of Africa’s most complete forwards.
The experienced midfielder was voted player of the tournament at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022. The AL Hilal star had a stellar season for both club and country.
She helped Morocco reach the final of the AWCON, where they lost to Nigeria.
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
Reigning CAF Women’s Champions League Player of the Tournament Sanna Mssoudy earns her place among the continent’s elite through her dynamic attacking presence and relentless work rate for AS FAR.
At the prime of her career at 25, the attacking forward has been key in AS FAR’s impressive run in this year’s Moroccan Women’s Championship, where she was also voted Player of the Year.
Her consistency for AS FAR and Morocco has made her one of the most exciting offensive players on the continent. She will be hoping to clinch the accolade once again on Wednesday.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain)
Rasheedat Ajibade’s nomination recognizes her evolution into a complete, world-class forward. Known for her explosiveness, versatility, and big-game temperament, she continues to deliver standout performances for both club and country.
The Nigerian captain will be looking to add to her growing collection of accolades, with the most recent being voted Player of the Tournament at the last TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON as a key member of the Super Falcons’ side that went on to lift their record-extending 10th continental crown.
CAF WOMEN’S GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR)
From being voted the best goalkeeper at the CAF Women’s Championship in 2022 to maintaining her form in the Moroccan Women’s Championship, where she has won the same award four times in a row, Khadija Er-Rmichi’s recognition speaks to her longevity, composure, and exceptional command of the penalty area.
While her last taste of individual accolades came in just under three years ago, the Moroccan shot-stopper has remained a key cog in AS FAR’s last line of defense.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion)
Voted the best goalkeeper at the recent TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals, Chiamaka Nnadozie stands out as one of the most influential goalkeepers of her generation.
The current holder of the award, Nnadozie’s fearlessness and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments distinguish her on both club and international stages.
The Nigerian shot stopper will be looking to earn her third CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award, following her 2023 and 2024 recognition.
Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
Two-time CAF Women’s Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year winner, Andile Dlamini secures her nomination through her exceptional consistency and unwavering presence for both club and country.
Despite her club not performing to their own high standards at the last CAF Women’s Champions League, Dlamini remains one of the standout shot-stoppers on the continent.
CAF WOMEN’S YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Doha El Madani (20) (Morocco / AS FAR)
Doha El Madani’s nomination underlines her emergence as one of Africa’s most promising young footballers.
Voted Moroccan Women’s Championship Young Player of the Year recently, following an impressive showing in the 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she was voted Young Player of the Tournament, El Madani will be looking to cap what has been a phenomenal season with another CAF Award recognition.
Adji Ndiaye (19) (Senegal / AS Bambey)
Adji Ndiaye represents the next generation of Senegalese talent—dynamic, fearless, and technically gifted.
At just 19, the shot-stopper’s sharp decision-making and influence on matches at a young age place her among Africa’s most exciting rising stars.
She stands as a symbol of Senegal’s growing strength in women’s football.
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria / Bayelsa Queens)
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood’s rise has been marked by her explosive talent and rapid development.
Captain of the Flamingos, as a result of her consistency and leadership traits, she consistently shows maturity and impact well beyond her age.
CAF WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ghana
Ghana’s nomination reflects their renewed competitiveness and cohesive team identity. The squad has demonstrated discipline, resilience, and a strong collective spirit, showcasing significant progress in their performances.
Finished third at the recent TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Black Queens have shown impressive growth in form in the period under review.
Morocco
The two-time TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON silver-medallists continue their ascent as one of the continent’s most organised and ambitious national teams. Their blend of tactical structure, athleticism, and technical quality has elevated the team’s profile, reflecting the nation’s sustained investment in women’s football.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s recognition as a finalist reaffirms its longstanding dominance and high performance in African football.
Record winners of Africa’s most prestigious Women’s Football title, with 10 African titles to their name, the Super Falcons remain a benchmark for excellence.
Their competitive mentality and deep talent pool keep them among the continent’s elite.
The Awards gala will end with entertainment from Africa’s cream, including Douaa Lahyaoui, Awilo Longomba and Fuse ODG, each representing a different generation and musical expression.