The exciting 10-man shortlist for the 2025 African Player of the Year award is out, and it’s filled with top talent. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi are among the big names competing for one of African football’s most respected honours.
This year’s list highlights a mix of established superstars and rising talents who have performed exceptionally for their clubs and countries. While all nominees have had a strong year, many see the race coming down to a close contest between Salah and Hakimi, who both enjoyed great success with their teams.
🏆 The 2025 Nominees
Here is the complete list of 10 players nominated for the award:
- Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli & Cameroon)
- Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC & Gabon)
- Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea)
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG & Morocco)
- Oussama Lamlioui (Renaissance Berkane)
- Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton & Senegal)
- Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray & Nigeria)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
- Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur & Senegal)
📜 A Legacy of Greatness
This prestigious award has been won by some of Africa’s biggest football stars in recent years. Past winners include Victor Osimhen in 2023 for his title-winning season with Napoli, and Ademola Lookman in 2024 after leading Atalanta to a European trophy. Sadio Mané claimed the honour in 2022 and 2019, while Mohamed Salah was a two-time winner in 2017 and 2018.
⭐ The Top Contenders
Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi are considered the frontrunners for this year’s award. Salah has been outstanding for Liverpool and Egypt, while Hakimi is seen as a strong favourite after a hugely successful season with PSG. The Moroccan defender helped his team win four major trophies: the Ligue 1 title, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the Coupe de France. Their impressive achievements make the final decision a highly anticipated one.
