Who Will Win The CAF Player Of The Year Award
The 2025 CAF Player of the Year award is shaping up to be an intense contest. The finalists, Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray), have all produced exceptional seasons.
Over the period under consideration (6 January to 15 October 2025) as confirmed by CAF, each of these players has made a strong case. This article will review their achievements, compare their statistics, and assess who stands the best chance of winning.
The Finalists: Overview
1. Mohamed Salah
Key facts:
- Salah is one of Africa’s most decorated players and has won the CAF Player of the Year award in 2017 and 2018.
- He finished the 2024-25 Premier League season with 29 goals in 38 appearances, securing the Golden Boot.
- In that same season, he also registered 18 assists, bringing his total goal involvements to 47, a record for a 38-game Premier League season.
- Officially shortlisted by CAF for the 2025 award.
Strengths in his case:
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- Outstanding individual scoring and creative output.
- Success at club level domestically.
- Seniority, reputation and proven track record.
Potential weaknesses:
- While excellent domestically, less major continental or international trophy specifically referenced for this period.
- Other finalists may have big trophies or different roles that give them an edge.
2. Achraf Hakimi
Key facts:
- Hakimi is a right-back/wing-back for Paris Saint-Germain and captain of Morocco.
- He was instrumental in PSG’s run to and victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, scoring in the final as part of a historic triumph.
- His stats: For the 2024-25 season, he registered about 12 assists and played numerous matches helping PSG win major trophies.
- Officially shortlisted for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Strengths in his case:
- Major trophy haul (Champions League) which often boosts award credentials.
- Contribution not just defensively but offensively (assists, goals).
- Youthful and playing at a top club in Europe.
Potential weaknesses:
- As a defender, his statistical output (goals) may be lower compared to forwards.
- Voters may weigh overall contribution vs pure scoring.
3. Victor Osimhen
Key facts:
- Nigerian striker currently with Galatasaray. He has previously won the CAF Player of the Year award (2023).
- In 2024-25, he was the Turkish Süper Lig top scorer with 26 goals and helped his club clinch a domestic double.
- Officially shortlisted for 2025.
Strengths in his case:
- Pure goal-scorer, leading his club to domestic success.
- Previous award winner, brings prestige.
- Strong partner in African football narrative.
Potential weaknesses:
- The level of competition (Turkish league vs Premier League or Champions League) may be seen as less strong in voting.
- International achievements in the period might be less emphasised.
Statistical Comparison
| Player | Key Stat Highlights 2024-25* | Major Trophy / Achievement |
| Mohamed Salah | 29 league goals, 18 assists (47 goal involvements) | Premier League title with Liverpool |
| Achraf Hakimi | ~12 assists, scored in UCL final | UEFA Champions League winner with PSG |
| Victor Osimhen | ~26 league goals | Domestic double (league + cup) with Galatasaray |
*Numbers based on verified statistics for the 2024-25 season and relevant award period.
Who Has the Edge? My Prediction
All three finalists are strong. However, if I were to pick one with the best chance of winning, it would be Achraf Hakimi. The reasons:
- He played a central part in his club’s Champions League victory, one of the biggest trophies in club world football.
- His transition from defender to an attacking full-back who contributes assists and goals adds extra value.
- While Salah had massive numbers, Hakimi’s trophy haul gives him a slight edge in voting preferences.
- Osimhen is very strong, but the perceived competitiveness of his league may work slightly against him compared to the Premier League or Champions League.
Nevertheless, Mohamed Salah remains an extremely compelling candidate, his sheer statistics are hard to ignore. If voters weigh individual numbers more than trophies, he could win. Osimhen will likewise push hard, especially if African national team performance is factored in.
The 2025 CAF Player of the Year award will come down to a battle of excellence between Salah, Hakimi and Osimhen. Each brings different strengths: goal scoring, world-class trophy success, and a blend of leadership and attacking output. The final decision will ultimately hinge on how voters prioritise trophies vs statistics vs overall impact.
If one has to put money on it now: Hakimi leads the way, with Salah close behind.
FAQs
Q1. Who are the finalists for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award?
A. The finalists are Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen.
Q2. What period does the award consider?
A. The award considers performances between 6 January and 15 October 2025.
Q3. Which major trophies did the finalists win in that period?
- Salah: Premier League title with Liverpool.
- Hakimi: UEFA Champions League with PSG.
- Osimhen: Domestic double with Galatasaray.
Q4. What were Salah’s key stats in 2024-25?
A. He scored 29 league goals and provided 18 assists, totaling 47 goal involvements.
Q5. Who do I predict will win and why?
A. Achraf Hakimi, mainly due to his major trophy haul combined with strong performances, though Salah and Osimhen remain strong challengers.
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