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The CAF Awards 2025, held last night in Rabat, delivered a spectacular celebration of African football, with Morocco emerging as the night’s biggest winner. From individual brilliance to collective success, the ceremony showcased a rising powerhouse in African football and honoured outstanding performers from across the continent.
Achraf Hakimi Wins African Footballer of the Year
Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi was crowned Men’s African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award in over 50 years. His stellar season with PSG—which included major domestic and European trophies—combined with consistent national team performances, made him the clear favourite.
Hakimi also becomes the first Moroccan since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 to take home Africa’s top individual honour, marking a historic moment for the country.
Ghizlane Chebbak Named Women’s Player of the Year
Morocco’s celebrations continued as Ghizlane Chebbak was awarded Women’s Player of the Year. The midfielder delivered an outstanding season, combining leadership, creativity, and technical elegance at both club and international levels.
Her win reinforces Morocco’s growing influence in women’s football, especially after strong continental and global performances.
Goalkeepers of the Year
Morocco enjoyed yet another moment of pride when Yassine Bounou was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. His consistency, reflex saves, and leadership have made him one of the top African keepers of his generation.
On the women’s side, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie collected Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, securing the crown for the third year running. Her performances in league and country colours have positioned her among the best globally.
Rising Stars Shine: Young Player Awards
The future of African football was also celebrated:
- Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford) was named Men’s Young Player of the Year, an honour earned through his rapid rise, fearless playing style, and impressive club form.
- Doha El Madani (Morocco) won Women’s Young Player of the Year, highlighting Morocco’s strong youth setup.
Both players represent a new wave of talent expected to dominate African football in the coming years.
Coaches, Interclub Players and Officials Honoured
Cape Verde’s national team coach Bubista was named Men’s Coach of the Year, following his remarkable achievement of guiding the nation to its first-ever World Cup qualification — a historic triumph for Cape Verdean football.
DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele, currently starring for Pyramids FC, took home Interclub Player of the Year (Men) after finishing as top scorer in the CAF Champions League and producing decisive performances throughout the season.
Match officials also received recognition, with strides made in developing refereeing excellence across Africa.
National Teams of the Year
Morocco’s outstanding football year continued with their U20 Men’s National Team named National Team of the Year (Men) after a sensational performance at the FIFA U20 World Cup, where they stunned the world with disciplined and fearless football.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed Women’s National Team of the Year, reaffirming their long-standing dominance in African women’s football.
Club of the Year
Egypt’s Pyramids FC earned the Men’s Club of the Year award after a strong campaign in domestic competitions and consistent performances in Africa’s interclub tournaments.
Goal of the Year: Tanzania Celebrates
One of the loudest cheers of the night came when Clement Mzize of Tanzania won Goal of the Year. His spectacular long-range strike in the CAF Champions League was voted the best by fans across the continent and remains one of the most replayed goals of the season.
A Night of Records, Emotion, and Football Excellence
The 2025 CAF Awards will go down as one of the most memorable editions in recent years. Morocco’s dominance—from senior players to rising stars—sent a strong message about the nation’s football development path. Hakimi’s historic achievement, Chebbak’s brilliance, and the emergence of new names all contributed to a ceremony that reflected Africa’s enormous potential and vibrant football culture.
The evening celebrated not just individual stars, but the growing strength of African football on the global stage.
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