CAF 2025 Award: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi in Final Three

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named the final three contenders for the 2025 Player of the Year award in the men’s category.

The finalists are Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Nigeria, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Egypt, and Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco.

All three players earned their spots after excellent seasons with their clubs. Osimhen won the same award in 2023, while Salah is a two-time winner from 2017 and 2018. Hakimi also had an outstanding season filled with trophies.

Osimhen helped Galatasaray secure the Turkish Super Lig and the Turkish Cup. He made 44 appearances, scoring 37 goals and providing 8 assists. Salah led Liverpool to win the English Premier League title, ending the season with 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 matches. Hakimi enjoyed a successful season with PSG, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French League, French Super Cup, and French Cup. He recorded 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 games.

CAF says the 2025 awards celebrate achievements from both club and national competitions between January 6 and October 15, 2025. This year’s ceremony will take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19.

CAF has also announced the Top Three Nominees in other major men’s categories. These include Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year. Seven categories in total have been confirmed, with each listing the top three performers.

Player of the Year nominees: “Mohamed Salah”, “Achraf Hakimi”, “Victor Osimhen”.

Other shortlists include:

Goalkeeper of the Year: Munir Mohamedi, Yassine Bonou, Ronwen Williams.
Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Chibi, Oussama Lamlioui.
Coach of the Year: Bubista, Mohamed Ouahbi, Walid Regragui.
Young Player of the Year: Abdellah Ouazane, Othmane Maamma, Tylon Smith.
National Team of the Year: Cape Verde, Morocco, Morocco U-20.
Club of the Year: Pyramids, RS Berkane, Mamelodi Sundowns.