The Confederation of African Football (CAF) published, on October 22nd, the list of ten contenders for the African Player of the Year award. The succession of Nigerian Ademola Lookman, last year’s winner, is now open.
The list was compiled by a panel of experts composed of members of CAF’s Technical and Development Committee, seasoned coaches, African legends, and media representatives. The players’ individual and collective performances during the period from January 6th to October 15th, 2025, were considered.
Moroccan Achraf Hakimi (26) is the frontrunner. The Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain full-back was instrumental in his club’s Champions League victory. He continues to win with the Moroccan national team, where he is a key figure. The Atlas Lions currently hold a record of sixteen consecutive wins, breaking the previous record held by Spain.
Facing him is Serhou Guirassy (29). The Guinean international finished as joint top scorer in the Champions League and also scored twenty-one goals in the Bundesliga.
Moroccan Oussama Lamlioui (29), a forward for RS Berkane, broke into the top 10 after winning the African Nations Championship with Morocco, where he was decisive, scoring a brace in the final against Madagascar (3-2). His winning goal was a masterpiece.
Perennial contenders like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen are also in the running. The Egyptian international had another stellar season, becoming the top scorer in the 2024-2025 Premier League and winning the English title with Liverpool. As for the Nigerian international and current Galatasaray SK striker, he was the top scorer in the Turkish league during the 2024-2025 season.
Two Senegalese players are in contention. They are international Iliman Ndiaye of Everton, who had an outstanding season with his Premier League club, scoring fourteen goals. He has become a key player for the Teranga Lions, who qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals and the World Cup. And Pape Matar Sarr, who won the Europa League with Tottenham.
Franck Anguissa, 29. The Cameroonian international was a key architect of Napoli’s Serie A title this year.
Fiston Mayele, the striker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, won the CAF Champions League this year with Pyramids FC. In two seasons, he has scored forty-five goals for his club.
Due to his exceptional performances, Gabonese international Denis Bouanga, who plays for Los Angeles FC, makes the list of nominees for the first time.