The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the ten-man shortlist for its most prestigious individual honour, the 2025 Men’s Player of the Year award, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle that encapsulates the phenomenal talent emerging from the continent. The announcement on Wednesday spotlights a mix of established global superstars and electrifying new talents, all recognized for their extraordinary contributions at both club and international levels over the past season.
The list reads as a who’s who of African footballing excellence, headlined by three players with particularly compelling cases for the crown:
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria & Galatasaray): The Nigerian continues to solidify his reputation as one of the world’s most feared strikers. After a high-profile loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen was nothing short of sensational, finding the net an astonishing 37 times across all competitions. His blistering pace, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing were on full display, making him the focal point of one of Europe’s most potent attacks and keeping his name in the conversation for the continent’s top prize.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Paris Saint-Germain): The Moroccan full-back redefined the meaning of an attacking defender this past season. While his defensive work was solid, it was his offensive contributions that captured headlines. Hakimi was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign, providing crucial goals and assists from his right-back berth. His combination of world-class technical ability, explosive speed, and big-game mentality has made him arguably the best in the world in his position.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool): The veteran Egyptian King remains an unstoppable force of nature. Even as he enters his thirties, Salah’s numbers are as staggering as ever. For Liverpool, he orchestrated attacks with maestro-like precision, amassing a mind-boggling stat line of 34 goals and 23 assists. His enduring consistency and leadership, both for his club and country, ensure he is a perennial contender for this award, demanding recognition for another flawless season.
Beyond the Headliners: A Deep Pool of Talent
The strength in depth of African football is further highlighted by the other nominees, each with a remarkable claim:
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea & VfB Stuttgart): The Guinean striker took the Bundesliga by storm with his powerful and prolific goalscoring form, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.
- Fiston Mayele (DR Congo & Pyramids FC): The Congolese sensation was a goal machine in the Egyptian Premier League, captivating fans with his flair and finishing ability, and leading his club to a historic season.
The remaining nominees round out a list that showcases the diverse roles and leagues where African excellence thrives, from the midfield engines of Europe’s top clubs to the prolific strikers dominating their respective competitions.
The winner will now be decided through a voting process that incorporates the captains and head coaches of all CAF member associations, alongside a select panel of international media representatives. The footballing world now awaits the final ceremony later this year, where one of these ten exceptional athletes will be crowned the standard-bearer for African football in 2025.
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