BREAKING: AFCON Winner’s Prize Money hits USD 10 Million as CAF raises the financial bar

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken another decisive step toward becoming one of the world’s most financially powerful football tournaments.

Following a CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held earlier today, Africa’s football governing body confirmed a further upward shift in the prize money structure for its flagship competition, with the winner’s purse now targeting the USD 10 million mark.

The move underlines CAF’s long-term strategy to make African football increasingly self-sustaining and commercially competitive on the global stage.

The growth has been both steady and deliberate. In the most recent AFCON cycle, the champions received USD 7 million, while the runners-up earned USD 4 million – already a significant jump compared to previous editions.

Now, with the 2025 tournament set to kick off in Morocco on Sunday, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has signaled that the financial ceiling will rise again, pushing the winner’s reward to an unprecedented level in African football.

Reaching the USD 10 million threshold would further cement AFCON’s status among the elite of global continental competitions.

In pure financial terms, the tournament now stands as one of the few outside Europe and South America that can rival, or at least close the gap with, the UEFA European Championship and Copa América.

It is a reflection of AFCON’s soaring global viewership, growing commercial appeal, and its expanding footprint across international markets.

Importantly, the financial uplift is not confined to national team football. CAF has also confirmed increases in prize money for its major club competitions – the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup – as part of a broader push to professionalize and strengthen club football across the continent.

While the exact figures have already been finalized, President Motsepe has opted to delay the official announcement until January, allowing the current AFCON narrative to remain front and center while building anticipation for the upcoming club season.

CAF’s latest financial reforms send a clear message: the wealth generated by African football must circulate within Africa.

By reinvesting revenues directly into national teams, clubs, players, and member associations, the current administration is laying the foundations for sustainable growth rather than short-term spectacle.

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 in Morocco continues, CAF’s ambition is unmistakable.

African football is no longer viewed solely as a cultural and sporting celebration – it is rapidly evolving into a powerful economic engine, capable of rewarding excellence and competing with the very best the world game has to offer.