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Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi have been named among the 10 contenders for the 2025 African Player of the Year award, organisers announced on Wednesday.
Salah, who captains Egypt, and Morocco skipper Hakimi are the frontrunners for the accolade after finishing fourth and sixth, respectively, in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.
Salah, already a two-time winner of the African award, will be aiming for a third title, while Hakimi is seeking to claim the honour for the first time.
The Premier League is represented by three players, with Salah joined by Senegalese duo Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham Hotspur and Iliman Ndiaye of Everton.
Africa’s domestic leagues also have a presence, with Congolese striker Fiston Mayele of Egyptian champions Pyramids and Moroccan forward Oussama Lamlioui of Renaissance Berkane both earning nominations after impressive goal-scoring form.
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, is once again shortlisted, though his compatriot Ademola Lookman — last year’s winner — missed out this time.
Other nominees include Cameroon’s André Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli), Gabon’s Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund).
The shortlist was selected by CAF’s technical and development committee, along with coaches, former football stars, and chosen media representatives across the continent.
