Top 10 CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees Revealed

The CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees list celebrates the best footballers from Africa who have performed at the highest level for both club and country. This award, presented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is considered the most prestigious honor in African football — often called the African Ballon d’Or.

For 2025, the award covers performances from January to October 2025. The CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees include some of the continent’s biggest stars such as Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and Achraf Hakimi. These players have made massive contributions to their teams through goals, assists, leadership, and consistency.

The CAF also recognizes emerging young players through the CAF Youth Player of the Year, but this article focuses on the main award — the top 10 footballers who made Africa proud.

List of 10 CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees Revealed

10. Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco | RSB Berkane)

Among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees, Oussama Lamlioui stands out for his incredible domestic performances. The Moroccan striker has been a consistent goal-scorer for RSB Berkane, helping them win both the 2024/25 Botola Pro title and the CAF Confederation Cup.

His match-winning goal in the Confederation Cup final made him a hero for Berkane fans. Moreover, his excellent performances for the Moroccan national team have made him a strong mention among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. His composure and leadership on the field have earned him widespread praise.

9. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal | Everton)

Iliman Ndiaye’s inclusion among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees highlights his determination and hard work. After moving from Marseille to Everton, he quickly adapted to the English Premier League’s intensity.

Despite Everton fighting near the relegation zone, Ndiaye’s creativity and dribbling stood out. He scored decisive goals against Brighton, Southampton, and Manchester United. His influence extended beyond goals, as he became a key playmaker in attack. The CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees list would be incomplete without a player of his caliber.

8. Denis Bouanga (Gabon | Los Angeles FC)

Denis Bouanga is another strong contender among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. Playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS), Bouanga has been one of the most productive forwards in North America.

He recorded a stunning 30 goals and 9 assists, making him one of the highest-scoring African players in any league. His link-up play with teammates, including Heung-Min Son, was exceptional. Bouanga’s consistency and goal-scoring instincts make him a deserving name in the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees list.

7. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal | Tottenham Hotspur)

Pape Matar Sarr’s growth at Tottenham Hotspur has been phenomenal, making him one of the most promising names among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. His versatility in midfield — playing defensively, centrally, and even in attacking roles — has made him indispensable for Spurs.

Sarr was crucial in Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League victory, scoring six goals and providing two assists — his best-ever seasonal output. His maturity, tactical understanding, and energy throughout the season earned him recognition as one of the brightest stars among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees.

6. Fiston Mayele (DR Congo | Pyramids FC)

Fiston Mayele continues to dominate African football and has rightfully earned his spot among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. The Pyramids FC striker has been a nightmare for defenders across Africa, especially in the CAF Champions League.

Mayele scored vital goals in both the CAF Champions League final and the CAF Super Cup, leading his team to victory. His sharp positioning, consistent finishing, and leadership make him one of the continent’s elite forwards. Among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees, Mayele represents the best of domestic African football talent.

5. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea | Borussia Dortmund)

Serhou Guirassy’s inclusion in the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees is no surprise after his record-breaking season with Borussia Dortmund. He became one of Europe’s most feared strikers, delivering consistent goal-scoring performances across all competitions.

Guirassy netted 21 goals in the Bundesliga and another 13 in the UEFA Champions League, winning the Golden Boot in Europe’s top competition. His memorable hat-trick against Barcelona earned him global attention. It’s no wonder he is among the most deserving names on the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees list.

4. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon | Napoli)

A key figure in Napoli’s midfield, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa has proven why he deserves a place among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. His power, vision, and technical skills were vital as Napoli reclaimed the Serie A title under coach Antonio Conte.

Anguissa was instrumental in balancing Napoli’s attack and defense, earning the Serie A Player of the Month award in January after strong performances against Atalanta and Juventus. His composure in midfield has made him a top African performer in Europe, securing his rightful spot among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees.

3. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain)

Among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees, Achraf Hakimi has again shown why he’s one of the best full-backs in the world. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi delivered outstanding attacking and defensive performances, helping PSG secure a historic treble — winning Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League.

Hakimi scored in both the Champions League semifinals and final, proving his ability to shine in big games. Having previously won the CAF Youth Player of the Year twice, Hakimi is now closer than ever to capturing the senior CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees title.

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria | Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen’s achievements this season make him one of the strongest contenders among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees. After joining Galatasaray, the Nigerian striker proved his critics wrong by guiding his club to a domestic double — winning both the Turkish Super Lig and the Turkish Cup.

Osimhen scored 37 goals across all competitions and grabbed the Golden Boot. His energy, aerial dominance, and finishing ability have set him apart from his peers. Among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees, Osimhen’s leadership and consistency make him a real favorite for the top spot.

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt | Liverpool)

At number one among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees is Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar who continues to dominate African football. Playing under Arne Slot at Liverpool, Salah led his team to the Premier League title with world-class performances throughout the season.

Even after turning 30, Salah has evolved into a complete player — combining goal-scoring ability with creative playmaking. His record of 34 goals and 23 assists speaks volumes about his brilliance. Already a three-time CAF Player of the Year winner, Salah remains the favorite to lift the trophy once again among the CAF Player of the Year 2025 Nominees.