Rabat ceremony reveals finalists for CAF awards 2025

CAF has released the final shortlist for the 2025 edition of its annual awards ceremony, which will take place on 19 November in Rabat, Morocco.

The event will celebrate the standout performers of the past season across African football, honouring players, coaches, clubs, and national teams for their achievements.

The Confederation confirmed the Top 3 candidates in each men’s category, including the prestigious African Player of the Year award.

Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen emerge as the final contenders, recognised for their exceptional form with both club and country throughout the year.

Their inclusion highlights a season marked by consistency, leadership and decisive contributions on the international stage.

In the Best Goalkeeper of the Year category, Munir Mohamedi, Yassine Bounou and Ronwen Williams complete the shortlist.

All three impressed with commanding performances, with Williams returning as last year’s winner.

Their selection reflects the increasingly competitive goalkeeping landscape within African football.

For the Interclub Player of the Year award, the finalists are Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Chibi and Oussama Lamlioui, each having played central roles in their clubs’ continental campaigns.

Meanwhile, the shortlist for the Men’s Coach of the Year award features Bubista, Mohamed Ouhabi and Walid Regragui, whose tactical influence and tournament successes earned them recognition.

The Young Player of the Year category highlights emerging talent across the continent, with Abdellah Ouazane, Othmane Maamma and Tylon Smith completing the list of finalists after standout seasons.

CAF also revealed the finalists for Team of the Year on the men’s side.

The senior national teams of Cape Verde and Morocco are joined by Morocco U20, each having delivered strong performances at international level.

For Club of the Year, the nominees are Pyramids FC, RS Berkane and Mamelodi Sundowns, reflecting dominance in domestic and continental competitions.

In the women’s categories, Ghizlaine Chebbak of Al Hilal, fellow Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy of AS FAR, and Nigerian international Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain are the finalists for African Player of the Year.

Their selection underscores the continued rise of women’s football across the continent.

The shortlist for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year includes Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns), three players who distinguished themselves with consistent, high-level performances.

With anticipation building ahead of the ceremony, the 2025 CAF Awards promise to highlight a season rich in talent, progress and exceptional individual achievement across African football.