The 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, delivered a night of celebration, history, and recognition as the continent’s finest football talents and contributors were honoured for their achievements over the past year. From standout footballers to visionary leaders, the ceremony showcased the continued rise of African football on the global stage, with Morocco playing host to one of the most memorable editions yet.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak headlined the night in the women’s category, securing the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award after a season defined by exceptional leadership and consistency. Chebbak’s performances for both club and country set her apart, with her commanding presence in midfield driving Morocco’s impressive international displays.
Her achievement also reflects the nation’s growing investment in women’s football. Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, who enjoyed a remarkable year with PSG and the Super Falcons helping her country clinch a record 10th WAFCON title—finished closely behind, highlighting the strong competition in the category.
Another Nigerian star, Chiamaka Nnadozie, extended her dominance between the posts by winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive year. The 24-year-old goalkeeper’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
At Paris FC, she played a pivotal role in winning the Coupe de France Féminine, while her outstanding performances for the Super Falcons keeping four clean sheets during their WAFCON triumph cemented her status as Africa’s top shotstopper. Her move to Brighton & Hove Albion further elevated her profile, with a Player of the Match debut and several league nominations underscoring her growing influence on the global stage.
In the men’s category, Morocco celebrated yet another historic triumph as PSG defender Achraf Hakimi was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025, edging Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen.
Hakimi, the only finalist present at the ceremony, broke new ground as the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and only the fourth defender to do so in modern history. His win marks a career-defining moment after finishing as runner-up in the previous two editions and highlights his continued excellence for club and country.
Beyond player achievements, the ceremony also recognised leadership contributions shaping African football. The CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award was jointly presented to the Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda William Ruto, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Yoweri Museveni in honour of their roles in strengthening football structures across East Africa.
CAF praised their successful collaboration in hosting the African Nations Championship, which delivered upgraded stadiums, improved logistics, and a new benchmark for regional co-hosting standards.
The night also celebrated team excellence, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons named Women’s Team of the Year, further rounding out the nation’s strong showing at the event. Their consistency, resilience, and historic WAFCON victory reaffirmed their dominance as the most successful women’s national team on the continent.
The 2025 CAF Awards ultimately reflected a year of growth, achievement, and renewed promise for African football. From individual brilliance to structural advancements, the event highlighted not only the stars of today but also the momentum building toward the future of the sport across the continent.