The football world is focused on Rabat, Morocco. The CAF Awards 2025 are fast approaching. Attention turns to the players who excelled in African football this past year. The ceremony begins tonight, November 19, at 6 p.m. (Nigerian time). Competition for the top awards is incredibly fierce this year.

Men’s Player of the Year Contenders

Several exceptional male footballers have delivered outstanding performances. These players are strong contenders for the prestigious award. Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool) Mohamed Salah solidified his legacy as a modern African great. Over the last year, the Liverpool forward was outstanding. He scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League. These contributions helped his club win the title. By season’s end, he had 47 goal involvements. Salah also guided Egypt to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain) Achraf Hakimi enjoyed an almost flawless season with PSG. He was a constant presence in a team that won multiple major trophies. These included the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup. Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup further strengthened his credentials. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray) Victor Osimhen continues to score at an undeniable rate. The Nigerian striker found the net 37 times in 41 appearances for Galatasaray. He helped his club secure the Turkish league title and the league cup. His strong form continued into the new season. This kept him firmly in the running for Africa’s top individual honour. Munir Mohamedi (Morocco / RS Berkane) Munir Mohamedi was a standout player for RS Berkane during a historic year. His crucial saves and leadership were key. They helped the club win the CAF Confederation Cup. RS Berkane also secured their first-ever Moroccan Botola Pro title. Yassine Bonou (Morocco / Al Hilal) Yassine Bonou delivered another year of calm and reliable goalkeeping. His high-level command in goal was consistent. His performances for Al Hilal and Morocco earned him a spot. He featured in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI. This reinforced his reputation as a trusted African shot-stopper. Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) Ronwen Williams played a vital role in Sundowns’ success. The club clinched their eighth consecutive Premiership title. He captained South Africa to World Cup qualification. Williams also led his club to the CAF Champions League final.

Women’s Player of the Year Contenders

The women’s category also features a stellar lineup of talent. These players have significantly impacted African women’s football. Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal) Ghizlaine Chebbak remains a crucial creative force. The former WAFCON Player of the Tournament had another stellar season. Her intelligence on the ball, leadership, and ability to influence matches from midfield were evident. Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR) Sanaa Mssoudy continues to emerge as one of the continent’s most exciting attackers. She was named Player of the Year in the Moroccan Women’s Championship. Mssoudy played a significant role in AS FAR’s strong campaign. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Paris Saint-Germain) Rasheedat Ajibade’s ascent shows no signs of slowing down. Her speed, sharp movement, and composure were key. These attributes helped Nigeria win their tenth WAFCON title. She earned the Player of the Tournament award. Ajibade remains one of Africa’s most complete forwards. Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR) Khadija Er-Rmichi’s consistent performances keep her at the top. She has earned multiple goalkeeper-of-the-season awards in the Moroccan league. Er-Rmichi remains a vital part of AS FAR’s defence. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton & Hove Albion) Chiamaka Nnadozie enters this year’s event as the reigning WAFCON Best Goalkeeper. She is known for her authority in the box. Her cool reactions under pressure are also a trademark. Nnadozie aims for her third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns) Andile Dlamini’s presence in goal is a major strength for Sundowns. Despite the club’s short fall in the last CAF Women’s Champions League, her form was excellent. Her performances on both local and international stages earned her another nomination.

A Gathering of African Football Royalty

The awards ceremony will also bring together African football legends. Many household names are expected to grace the red carpet. These include Mustapha Hadji, Gervinho, Rabah Madjer, and Mohamed Sissoko. Other notable attendees are Idriss Kameni, Shikabala, Patrick Mboma, and Taribo West. Women’s football will also be well-represented. Janine van Wyk, Desire Oparanozie, Clementine Toure, and Bernadette Anong are expected. Their presence will highlight the strong connection. It links African football’s pioneers with the new generation of stars. The awards ceremony kicks off at 7:00 PM local time. This is 6:00 PM GMT and 8:00 PM in Cairo. You can follow all the action live on the CAFTV YouTube channel.