Osimhen, Salah and Hakimi Battle for Africa’s Top Honour
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the three-man shortlist for the 2025 African Men’s Player of the Year award, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi vying for the continent’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Hakimi, currently sidelined with injury, played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph and their run to the final of the expanded Club World Cup, where they finished runners-up to Chelsea.
If fit, the 27-year-old will captain hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations in December, as they aim to end a title drought stretching back to 1976.
Salah, twice winner of the award, remains a formidable contender despite recent struggles. The Liverpool talisman was instrumental in guiding the Reds to a record-equalling 20th Premier League title last season, claiming the Golden Boot with 29 goals, six clear of Alexander Isak, who has since joined Liverpool from Newcastle United.
Osimhen, starring for Turkish giants Galatasaray, has been in scintillating form for both club and country.
However, some of his recent exploits, including a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax and a brace in Nigeria’s World Cup playoff victory over Gabon, fall outside the judging deadline of October 15 and will not be considered.
The winners will be crowned at the annual CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday. The nominees were selected by CAF’s technical and development committee, alongside coaches, former stars, and selected media representatives.
