The continent’s football elite will descend on Morocco on Wednesday as the 2025 CAF Awards return to Rabat, promising a night of celebration, music and recognition for Africa’s top performers across the men’s and women’s game.
The ceremony takes place at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), with proceedings scheduled to begin at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT).
CAF has again chosen Morocco as host, continuing the country’s recent run as a preferred destination for major continental events.
This year’s ceremony brings together a diverse blend of football and entertainment. Award-winning Beninese superstar Angélique Kidjo and Moroccan comedian Oualass will co-host the night, supported by performances from Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, Congolese legend Awilo Longomba, and Ghana’s Fuse ODG.
Angélique Kidjo.Photo Credit: Getty Images
The combination, CAF says, reflects its wider ambition to celebrate Africa’s cultural identity while honouring sporting excellence.
Twelve Categories on Parade — With Some to Follow Later
While 12 awards will be handed out on the night, CAF confirmed that three women’s categories will be postponed due to the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.
These are:
Women’s Coach of the Year
Women’s Interclub Player of the Year
Women’s Club of the Year
The remaining categories, however, will be announced live at the ceremony.
Men’s Player of the Year: A Trio of Heavyweights
The headline award features an illustrious three-man shortlist:
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray)
Hakimi is in prime position to win this award after winning the UCL, Ligue 1 and Coupe De France. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Each has enjoyed a standout year for club and country, setting up one of the most competitive Player of the Year decisions in recent editions.
Strong Moroccan Presence Across the Board
Morocco dominates several lists, reflecting a year of major team and club achievements as well as consistent individual performances.
Men’s categories featuring Moroccan nominees include:
Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou and Munir Mohamedi
Interclub Player of the Year: Mohamed Chibi and Oussama Lamlioui
Men’s Coach of the Year: Walid Regragui and Mohamed Ouahbi
Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma and Abdellah Ouazane
National Team of the Year: Morocco and Morocco U-20
Club of the Year: RS Berkane
Morocco U20 won their first ever U20 FIFA World Cup. Photo Credit: FIFA
Morocco’s depth of nominees spread across goalkeeping, coaching, youth awards and senior categories, underscores its position as one of the continent’s most consistent footballing forces.
Other Key Men’s Finalists
Goalkeeper of the Year
Yassine Bounou (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Munir Mohamedi (Morocco/RS Berkane)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
Interclub Player of the Year
Mohamed Chibi (Morocco/Pyramids)
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane)
Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids)
Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele capped off a historic campaign by sealing the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League top scorer award, scoring his ninth goal of the tournament in the 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final in Cairo. Photo Credit: CAF
Men’s Coach of the Year
Bubista (Cape Verde)
Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U-20)
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Young Player of the Year
Othmane Maamma (Morocco/Watford)
Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco/Ajax)
Tylon Smith (South Africa/QPR)
National Team of the Year
Cape Verde
Morocco
Morocco U-20
Club of the Year
Mamelodi Sundowns
Pyramids
RS Berkane
Women’s Categories: Nigeria and Morocco Lead the Contenders
Nigeria and Morocco headline the women’s lists, with familiar names and rising talents competing for top honours.
African Women’s Player of the Year
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/PSG)
Ghizlaine Chebbak (Morocco/Al Hilal)
Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR)
Ajibade led Nigeria to a record extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco winning the MVP of the tournament. Photo Credit: CAF
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Andile Dlamini (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco/AS FAR)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Brighton)
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Chiamaka Nnadozie is a two time winner of this award and she is in pole position to pick it up again after an inspiring season.(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Young Women’s Player of the Year
Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria/Bayelsa Queens)
Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR)
Adji Ndiaye (Senegal/AS Bambey)
Women’s National Team of the Year
Ghana
Morocco
Nigeria
Why It Matters
The CAF Awards are more than just a red carpet moment. They represent:
Recognition of individual brilliance, from goal-scorers to goalkeepers, and from clubs to national teams.
A celebration of Africa’s rising stars, youth players who are shaping the future of the game on the continent.
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A platform to spotlight women’s football, even with some awards delayed. A moment for cultural crossovers, blending entertainment and sport to reflect the richness of African identity.
