The race for African football's highest honor is on, and the 2025 shortlist has just been revealed, sparking excitement and debate among fans worldwide. But here's where it gets controversial: can any of these stars truly claim the title of Africa's best?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, Nigerian Victor Osimhen, and Egyptian Mohamed Salah are the final contenders for the African Men's Player of the Year award. Each brings a unique story to the table, making this year's competition one of the most intriguing yet.
Hakimi, despite currently nursing an injury, played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain's historic UEFA Champions League victory and their runner-up finish in the expanded Club World Cup. At just 27, he’s set to lead Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, aiming to end their 49-year drought. But will his recent absence from the pitch cost him votes?
Salah, a two-time winner of this prestigious award, has had a rollercoaster year. After helping Liverpool clinch their record-equalling 20th Premier League title last season, he secured the 2024-25 Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals. Yet, his recent form has been less than stellar. Is this enough to secure his third win, or has the competition surpassed him?
Osimhen, the Galatasaray standout, has been on fire for both club and country. However, the October 15 deadline for judging means some of his most impressive feats—like his Champions League hat-trick against Ajax and crucial World Cup qualifying goals—won’t count. Does this put him at a disadvantage, or will his earlier performances carry him through?
And this is the part most people miss: the women’s category is equally thrilling! Moroccans Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, alongside Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade, are vying for the African Women's Player of the Year title. Ajibade, a Paris Saint-Germain star, was named the best player at the Africa Women's Cup of Nations after Nigeria’s dramatic comeback win over Morocco. Chebbak, daughter of Moroccan legend Larbi Chebbak, topped the scoring charts with five goals. Mssoudy, meanwhile, has been instrumental in making Rabat club FAR a dominant force in African women’s football.
The awards ceremony, set to take place in Rabat on Wednesday, promises to be a night of celebration and reflection. But the question remains: who deserves the crown? Is it the injured yet influential Hakimi, the inconsistent yet proven Salah, or the in-form but deadline-limited Osimhen? And in the women’s category, which of these trailblazers will take home the title?
What’s your take? Who should win, and why? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—because in the world of football, every opinion counts!
