Among 10 nominees for the CAF Awards 2025 Men’s Player of the Year award, three names stand out: Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen, following strong performances for club and country.
Achraf Hakimi: The Complete Modern Full-Back
Achraf Hakimi is arguably the favourite for the 2025 African Player of the Year after a phenomenal campaign in which he was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble – winning the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League, where he also scored in the final.
Blending defensive discipline with attacking brilliance, the Moroccan right-back has been a driving force for both club and country, cementing his place as one of Africa’s most complete and influential footballers.
A versatile full-back who excels at both ends of the pitch, Hakimi stands out. His stellar contributions to Paris Saint‑Germain were vital across all competitions. For the national team, his outstanding role in their World Cup qualification lends credence to his heroics. His world-class for both club and country make him a strong contender.
Mohamed Salah: The Consummate Premier League Star
Mohamed Salah’s numbers tell a story of unrelenting excellence. In the 2024-25 Premier League season the Egyptian talisman scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists in 38 appearances. He also won multiple honours in the English Premiership in the 2024/2025 season, including Premier League Player of the Season and a third PFA Player of the Year award as Liverpool’s leading man.
Beyond his club exploits, Salah’s continues to display leadership and influence on the field for Egypt, guiding the Pharaohs to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victor Osimhen: Africa’s Goal Machine
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has established himself as one of the most fearsome forwards in global football, combining athleticism, tenacity, and clinical finishing.
His 35 goals for Galatasaray in the 2024/25 season set a record for a foreign player in the Turkish Super Lig, and he has already notched eight goals this season, including three in the UEFA Champions League.
At international level, Osimhen boasts 29 goals in 44 appearances for Nigeria, underlining his consistency and leadership. The 2023 African Player of the Year, Osimhen continues to carry the Super Eagles’ attacking hopes and remains one of the favourites to claim the crown for a second time.
Wildcard: Serhou Guirassy
Among the nominees, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy stands out as the dark horse. The Borussia Dortmund striker has been in explosive form throughout 2025, combining power, precision, and consistency in front of goal.
Guirassy scored 13 goals in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, matching Barcelona forward Raphinha’s tally, to claim the UEFA Golden Boot as joint-top scorer for the 2024/25 season.
His prolific run in the Bundesliga and European competitions has put him firmly in the spotlight, making him a genuine contender for Africa’s most prestigious individual award.
Top 10
Other nominees for the CAF 2025 Men’s Player of the Year include Cameroon’s André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Gabon’s Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui (RS Berkane), and Senegal’s duo of Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) and Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur).
All eyes now turn to Marrakech, where CAF will crown Africa’s best later this year.
