Overview of finalists

The finalists at a glance

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the three African Player of the Year finalists for 2025, a lineup that blends established stars with a surprising third nominee. At the forefront are Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Mohamed Salah, two players who have consistently delivered world-class performances and carried their clubs through demanding campaigns. Hakimi’s pace, incisive runs from the right, and dangerous deliveries have become a constant source of threat for PSG in Ligue 1 and in Europe, while Salah’s goal pressure and late-game impact continue to define his era as Africa’s premier forward. The announcement of these contenders signals CAF’s ongoing belief in Africa’s ability to produce marquee talents who influence games across leagues and continental competition. For fans and clubs alike, the shortlist underlines the continued relevance of the continent’s stars on the global stage. CAF official site offers the formal list, while BBC Sport provides context on how the finalists compare with recent winners.

• Hakimi: pace, width, and sharp crossing
• Salah: consistent goal threat and big-game influence
• The third nominee: a surprising addition to the trio

Hakimi’s and Salah’s different styles reflect a broader trend in African talent: speed, technical prowess, and the ability to influence both domestic leagues and European competitions. The third nominee adds a dimension of unpredictability, signaling CAF’s willingness to reward performance across positions and leagues. The final call will hinge on form in the closing months of the season and in high-stakes fixtures that capture CAF voters’ attention.

The context and expectations

As the race progresses, voters will weigh contributions in the domestic league, domestic cup runs, and continental fixtures. The African Player of the Year finalists are judged on consistency, influence on team success, and moments of individual brilliance that define a season. With Hakimi and Salah providing marquee profiles and the third nominee bringing a different argument, the outcome could hinge on performances in the Champions League, league title races, and regional competitions that resonate with CAF’s panel. The spotlight is bright, and every goal, assist, or defensive stop could shift the balance in this competitive field.

Hakimi and Salah profiles

Achraf Hakimi: pace, precision, and versatility

Hakimi’s speed and stamina make him PSG’s most dynamic attacking outlet. He stretches defenses with blistering runs and dangerous crosses from the right flank. His tactical intelligence allows him to track back and shield PSG’s width in high-press systems. Off the ball, Hakimi’s runs create space for others, and his dynamic assists tally has grown across domestic leagues and European fixtures. This season he has combined goals and assists in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League, reinforcing his status as a game changer. The African Player of the Year finalists tag reflects his impact not just in Paris but as a symbol of African talent at the sport’s pinnacle.

Mohamed Salah: relentless goal threat and consistency

Salah remains a constant source of goals and decisive moments. His movement, finishing accuracy, and ability to perform in high-pressure games have kept him among the world’s elite forwards. Across the calendar year, Salah has produced key goals in domestic leagues and cups, while contributing in European competitions. His leadership and experience help teams navigate tough fixtures and late-season pressure. As part of the African Player of the Year finalists list, Salah’s profile underscores the ongoing standard of excellence African players bring to top-level football.

The surprise third nominee

Who is the unexpected finalist?

The third nominee remains a talking point, a deliberate pick by CAF to acknowledge breadth in African talent. This player may be from a club that has delivered standout performances in domestic leagues or European fixtures, yet does not routinely feature in the public discourse alongside Hakimi and Salah. The surprise nomination signals CAF’s intent to reward impact across positions and leagues. It also highlights that Africa’s talent pipeline extends beyond the most famous names, offering players from smaller clubs a chance to gain global recognition. The decision adds intrigue to the voting process and invites a broader discussion about the qualities CAF voters value in a season.

The CAF rationale and what it signals

Choosing a third nominee suggests an emphasis on consistency, influence in team successes, and the ability to affect outcomes across multiple competitions. The surprise pick may have produced standout performances in domestic cups, league titles, or continental tournaments that caught CAF’s eye. For fans, it raises expectations about how CAF measures impact versus fame. The broader takeaway is clear: Africa’s football landscape is diverse, and the award aims to reflect that reality by acknowledging players who truly spark results and excitement in various contexts.

Significance for African football

Market value and global visibility

Being named among the African Player of the Year finalists can lift a player’s market value and solidify opportunities across Europe and the world. Hakimi and Salah already enjoy global brands, but even the presence of a third nominee can widen attention to other regions and clubs. The award functions as a beacon for scouts, agents, and coaches looking to identify and recruit top African talent. It also helps clubs justify investment in African academies and development programs, reinforcing the pipeline that feeds Europe’s top leagues. The recognition reinforces the message that Africa produces players who can compete and flourish on the biggest stages.

Talent pipeline and inspiration for the next generation

Across continents, young players watching the African Player of the Year finalists see a blueprint for success: combine raw speed or technical skill with strategic thinking and consistency. CAF’s recognition supports domestic leagues and youth development programs that produce players capable of thriving in Europe and beyond. This visibility can boost sponsorship, academy funding, and media attention for African competitions, contributing to a virtuous cycle of growth and aspiration for aspiring footballers on the continent. The award thus becomes a beacon that motivates youngsters to pursue football seriously and dream big.

Voting and what comes next

How the vote works

Voters from CAF’s member associations assess the finalists on form, impact, and consistency. Judges examine performances across domestic leagues, cups, and continental campaigns. Voters weigh goals, assists, defensive work, leadership, and moments that swing outcomes. The process emphasizes objective metrics alongside qualitative judgments. The ultimate winner must combine influence on results with a track record of excellence across the season. For fans, this is a reminder that individual awards reflect collective effort and strategic planning by clubs and players alike. The focus remains on the sustained influence these players have shown across the year.

Timeline and potential implications

CAF has not disclosed every detail of the timeline, but the vote typically culminates with an awards ceremony toward the end of the season. The winner gains prestige and tangible benefits: increased market value, higher negotiating leverage, and more attention from top clubs. For Hakimi, Salah, or the third nominee, lifting the trophy could accelerate moves or bolster contract negotiations. The award also reaffirms Africa’s influence on world football and inspires players in domestic leagues to pursue excellence with greater intensity. The final outcome will be watched closely by fans, agents, and clubs around the globe.