CAF Awards 2025: Morocco Dominate as Hakimi, Chebbak Claim Top Honours
CAF Awards 2025: Morocco Dominate as Hakimi, Chebbak Claim Top Honours
CAF Awards 2025: Morocco Dominate as Hakimi, Chebbak Claim Top Honours
The 2025 CAF Awards delivered a glittering night of celebration, prestige, and historic wins in Marrakech, Morocco, as Africa’s finest football talents were honoured for their exceptional performances over the past year. The ceremony, which gathered top players, coaches, football legends, and dignitaries, was largely dominated by Morocco marking one of the nation’s most successful nights in CAF Awards history.
Hakimi Wins Men’s Player of the Year
Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi claimed the coveted CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan defender to win the award. Hakimi’s explosive pace, leadership, and decisive contributions for both club and country made him the standout African footballer of the year. His triumph drew a thunderous ovation from the home crowd, sealing a night that will go down in Moroccan football history.
Chebbak Crowned Women’s Player of the Year
In the women’s category, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak once again stamped her authority as one of the continent’s elite, clinching the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Her leadership at both Al Hilal and the Moroccan women’s national team has been instrumental in raising the profile of North African women’s football, making her win both expected and richly deserved.
Nigeria’s Nnadozie Shines
Nigeria had its moment of pride as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Nnadozie, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with Brighton & Hove Albion, continues to be one of Africa’s most consistent and celebrated shot-stoppers, further cementing her status as a global star.
Bounou, Mayele, and Rising Stars Recognised
Morocco’s dominance continued with Yassine Bounou winning Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.
DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele, currently at Pyramids FC, claimed Men’s Interclub Player of the Year following his fiery goal-scoring campaign in continental competitions.
Two rising talents also made headlines:
Othmane Maamma (Morocco/Wardford) scooped Men’s Young Player of the Year
Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR) won Women’s Young Player of the Year
Both youngsters were praised for their technical brilliance and rapid rise in the continental scene.
Coaches and Referees Awarded
Cape Verde’s national team boss Bubista was honoured with Men’s Coach of the Year after steering his team to historic performances that surprised many during the qualification campaigns.
In the officiating categories, East Africa recorded significant victories:
Omar Abdulkadir (Somalia) – Men’s Referee of the Year
Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda) – Women’s Referee of the Year
Liban Abdoulrazack (Djibouti) – Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year
Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) – Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year
These wins highlighted CAF’s increasing recognition of officiating excellence across the continent.
National and Club Awards
The Nigeria Super Falcons were announced as Women’s National Team of the Year, a testament to their resilience and dominance in African women’s football.
On the men’s side, Morocco U-20 took home Men’s National Team of the Year, celebrating their strong performance and development strides.
Egypt’s Pyramids FC clinched Men’s Club of the Year, reflecting their consistency in domestic and continental competitions.
(Women’s Club of the Year and Women’s Coach of the Year will be announced after the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League.)
Goal of the Year
Tanzania’s Clement Mzize won Goal of the Year for his stunning long-range effort for Young Africans against TP Mazembe — a strike widely shared and celebrated across African football media.
The 2025 CAF Awards not only rewarded individual brilliance but also showcased the rapid growth of African football across all levels. With Morocco delivering a landmark performance and other nations sharing the spotlight, the ceremony once again highlighted the talent, diversity, and passion that define football on the continent.
