The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled a brand-new trophy for the African Champions League, marking the fifth iteration in the prestigious competition’s history.
This latest design signals a fresh chapter for Africa’s most illustrious club tournament, as CAF continues to evolve both the branding and symbolism associated with its premier competition.
The newly revealed trophy replaces the version in circulation from 2007 to 2024 and is part of a long-standing tradition of redesigns that reflect the changing face of African football.
The inaugural African Champions League trophy was introduced in 1967 and remained in use until 1977.
A new version followed from 1978 to 1993, before another design was introduced in 1994, which lasted until 2006. That was succeeded by the fourth iteration, used from 2007 up until this year’s update.
CAF’s unveiling of the new silverware arrives at a pivotal moment for the competition, which has seen significant developments in recent years—including changes in tournament structure and increased global viewership.
The trophy is expected to serve not just as a symbol of footballing excellence, but also as a reflection of the ambition, modernity, and identity of the African game.
While CAF has yet to release detailed specifications of the trophy’s design elements, the launch was met with widespread attention, with fans and clubs alike eager to see the symbolic prize that awaits the next champion of the continent.
The African Champions League, contested annually by the best clubs across Africa, remains one of the most competitive and followed tournaments in world football.
The introduction of a new trophy reinforces CAF’s commitment to raising the standards of the competition, both on and off the pitch.
With the current campaign nearing its climax, anticipation is already building around which club will be the first to lift the newly minted trophy—a piece of silverware that now holds the promise of a new legacy, while honouring the rich history of the clubs and players who have defined the competition over the decades.
CAF’s decision to unveil the trophy ahead of the final stages of the competition adds further intrigue to this year’s race for the continental crown.
