Rabata, Morocco. The continent’s football elite gathered in glamour and celebration on the night of November 19 as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosted the 2025 Awards Gala, honoring the standout players, coaches and teams of the year.
Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco national team fullback Achraf Hakimi claimed the prestigious 2025 African Player of the Year Award, beating fierce contenders Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
In his acceptance speech, Hakimi expressed pride in representing both Morocco and Africa, thanking God for his success and directing attention to the team’s upcoming AFCON campaign. The star defender has enjoyed a glittering season, lifting major trophies including the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, UEFA Super Cup, Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions. As is his tradition, he attended the ceremony accompanied by his mother.
Morocco’s dominance in the awards continued as national team goalkeeper and Al Hilal shot-stopper Yassine Bounou secured the African Goalkeeper of the Year Award for the second time—making him the most decorated goalkeeper in the history of the accolade.
There was joy for DR Congo as Fiston Kalala Mayele, the prolific Pyramids FC forward, clinched the African Inter-Club Player of the Year Award. His decisive performances powered Pyramids to both the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup, while also boosting DR Congo’s hopes in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In the youth category, Othmane Maamma of Watford and Morocco’s U20 team was named African Young Player of the Year, while Cape Verde head coach Bubista earned the 2025 African Coach of the Year Award after leading the island nation to its first-ever World Cup qualification.
Tanzania also made headlines as Clement Mzize of Young Africans SC won the Goal of the Year Award, thanks to his long-range stunner against TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Champions League holders Pyramids FC continued their trophy haul by being named 2025 African Club of the Year, following a memorable season capped with continental triumphs and a Super Cup victory over RS Berkane.
Special honorary awards were presented to Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for their significant contributions to sports development in Africa. President Samia’s award was received on her behalf by Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.
In women’s football, Nigeria was crowned the 2025 African Women’s Team of the Year, while Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan took home the African Referee of the Year Award. Morocco’s Doha El Madani of AS FAR was named Women’s Young Player of the Year, and the Morocco U20 national team claimed the 2025 African Youth Team of the Year title.
Rounding off the night, Nigeria’s standout goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award, recognized for her consistency, composure and excellence across major continental competitions.
The Rabat ceremony showcased the rising stars, seasoned icons and inspiring leaders shaping the future of African football, marking a memorable night of pride and celebration for the continent.