The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its ten-man list for the 2025 African Footballer of the Year.
As expected, the competition is as fierce as ever with the likes of Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah, PSG defender Achraf Hakimi and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen making the shortlist.
Interestingly, current award holder Ademola Lookman has not been nominated following a troubled last few months at Atalanta.
Still, the CAF list includes some of the finest talents from the continent.
Below, we break down why each deserves a place and later, we predict who will end up lifting the golden trophy.
The 10 nominees: 2025 African Footballer of the Year
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG – €80m)
At just 26, Achraf Hakimi remains the most complete right-back Africa has produced in a generation.
With blistering pace, intelligence, and a knack for turning defence into counter-attacks, the Moroccan has been a pillar for both PSG and his national side.
In a season where PSG reshaped its attack post-Mbappé, Hakimi was often their creative spark, finishing with 11 goals and 15 assists in 88 appearances across competitions.
For Morocco, he remains irreplaceable their heartbeat, leader, and tactical metronome.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray – €75m)
If you thought Osimhen’s exploits at Napoli were remarkable, his move to Galatasaray has taken his stardom to new heights.
The Nigerian striker scored 29 goals in 44 games this year, instantly becoming a hero in Istanbul and leading the Turkish giants to leave and cup triumph.
His energy, relentless pressing, and uncanny ability to score with both head and feet have kept Nigeria’s hopes high heading into World Cup qualifiers. Osimhen is an elite striker that embodies the true African firepower.
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Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund – €45m)
Guirassy’s season was a masterclass in patience and precision. His 10 goals in 26 games might not leap off the page, but context matters as many came in crucial Bundesliga and Champions League matches for Dortmund.
The Guinean forward’s rise from Stuttgart’s talisman to Dortmund’s dependable No. 9 has been remarkable. He plays with efficiency and understated intelligence, the kind of forward who makes others better.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool – €45m)
Still a phenomenon at 33, Salah continues to age like fine Egyptian wine. With 61 goals and 34 assists in 106 matches, the Liverpool icon remains their creative and goalscoring heartbeat.
Even as new stars emerge, Salah’s leadership, consistency, and big-game composure stand unmatched. Egypt’s qualification hopes often rest on his shoulders, and he carries that burden with grace.
Whether he wins the award or not, Salah remains African football’s standard-bearer.
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal, Tottenham – €35m)
Tottenham’s young midfielder has had a breakout year in north London. At 23, Sarr has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest box-to-box players, combining composure, vision, and tactical discipline.
His four goals and two assists only tell part of the story; he’s Spurs’ silent conductor, helping them maintain rhythm in midfield. For Senegal, he’s become a natural successor to Idrissa Gueye, symbolising the next generation of Teranga Lions.
Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal, Everton – €35m)
Everton’s Senegalese winger is electric; part chaos, part artistry. His three goals and six assists this season don’t fully capture how much he transformed Everton’s right flank.
Quick, direct, and fearless, Ndiaye is the kind of winger who gives defenders sleepless nights. In the national team setup, his partnership with Sarr has added flair and unpredictability to Senegal’s attacking play.
Frank Anguissa (Cameroon, Napoli – €27m)
A midfield powerhouse with an engine that never quits, Anguissa continues to impress in Italy. With five goals and two assists from 66 games, his influence goes far beyond statistics.
Napoli’s balance often depends on his ability to win duels, transition play, and cover ground. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have found in him a modern-day general, leading by example and strength.
Denis Bouanga (Gabon, LAFC – €8m)
Across the Atlantic, Denis Bouanga has lit up Major League Soccer. The Gabonese winger delivered 16 goals and seven assists in 49 games for LAFC, proving that African excellence travels well.
His form has made him a cult hero in Los Angeles and an ambassador for African players in the American league.
He hit the goals that nearly powered Gabon to a first World Cup appearance. At 30, he’s playing the best football of his career.
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids FC – €1.8m)
The Congolese forward might not play in Europe, but he’s carried Pyramids FC to new heights in the Egyptian Premier League and CAF Confederation Cup.
With five goals and two assists in 30 matches, Mayele’s work ethic and leadership have earned admiration beyond stats. His inclusion reminds us that African football’s greatness isn’t confined to Europe.
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco, RS Berkane – €700k)
Six goals in six games; that’s all it took for Lamlioui to break into this elite list. The RS Berkane striker has been a revelation in domestic competition, combining ruthless finishing with clever movement.
For Moroccan football, his rise symbolises depth and hope: proof that talent at home still thrives.
2025 African Footballer of the Year: Predicting the final rankings
So, who takes home the golden prize?
CAF voters usually favour impact on the continental and international stage; a blend of club success, national heroics, and star power.
Here’s how the top 10 might shake out:
- 10. Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco) – Brilliant locally, but limited continental exposure.
- 9. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo) – Inspirational, though competing outside Europe hurts his chances.
- 8. Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – Outstanding in MLS, but CAF voters rarely look West.
- 7. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) – Promising and unpredictable, though consistency remains a hurdle.
- 6. Frank Anguissa (Cameroon) – The two-time Serie A winner is solid and dependable, but often overshadowed by flashier names.
- 5. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) – Rapidly maturing, yet still a few seasons short of stardom.
- 4. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – Europe’s quiet achiever, but without silverware, he stays outside the podium.
- 3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Eternal brilliance, but perhaps too familiar a story for CAF voters seeking new blood.
- 2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Leading Galatasaray, inspiring Nigeria, and redefining the modern African striker.
- 1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – The man of the moment. Electrifying for PSG and Morocco, a continental symbol of modern excellence. He’s the frontrunner to succeed Lookman and become only the first Moroccan to win the number one CAF crown, since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
