The 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards were held on November 19 in Rabat, Morocco, celebrating the outstanding achievements of African footballers over the past year. This year’s event showcased notable talent and remarkable performances across various categories.
Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Moroccan national team and defender for Paris Saint-Germain, was awarded the African Men’s Player of the Year. His exceptional season included lifting the UEFA Champions League and securing a fourth Ligue 1 title. Hakimi’s victory is particularly notable as he becomes the first defender to win this prestigious award since 1973 and the first Moroccan to achieve this honor since 1998. In a heartfelt speech, Hakimi expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s really an honor for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy.”
On the women’s side, Ghizlane Chebbak, who plays for Al-Hilal, was named African Women’s Player of the Year. Chebbak outperformed her compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade. The forward’s stellar performance as the top scorer in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations solidified her position as the continent’s best.
The awards ceremony was a triumphant occasion for Morocco, as Yassine Bounou also took home the title of Best Men’s Goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie achieved a remarkable feat by winning her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, further establishing her dominance in women’s football.
In the youth categories, Othmane Maamma was recognized as the Best Young Men’s Player, while Doha El Madani secured the Best Young Women’s Player title.
Bubista, the coach of Cape Verde, was honored as the Men’s Coach of the Year for leading his team to the 2026 World Cup. The Moroccan under-20 team was voted Best Men’s National Team after their impressive performance in recent competitions.
The event not only highlighted the achievements of individual players but also celebrated the growth and talent within African football. As the awards recognized both established stars and emerging talent, they set a hopeful tone for the future of the sport on the continent.
