Osimhen, Salah and Hakimi Make Final Shortlist for 2025 African Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the final shortlist for the 2025 African Player of the Year awards, with Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi named as the three contenders for the men’s prize.

Hakimi, currently injured, enjoyed a historic season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club win the UEFA Champions League for the first time. He also featured in their run to the expanded Club World Cup final. If fit, the 27-year-old is expected to lead hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21 as they chase their first title since 1976.

Salah, a two-time winner of the award, has faced a challenging period after a brilliant season in which he contributed heavily to Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th Premier League title. The Egyptian also won the 2024-25 Golden Boot with 29 goals, finishing six ahead of Alexander Isak.

Nigeria’s Osimhen has impressed for Galatasaray and the Super Eagles, but some of his recent standout performances fall outside the October 15 judging deadline. This means his Champions League hat-trick against Ajax and his two goals in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup play-off win over Gabon will not be considered.

The award ceremony for both categories will take place on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, with coaches, former players, CAF committee members and select media forming the voting panel.