The battle for Africa’s most significant individual football honour is down to three familiar names: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the shortlist on Sunday, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Hakimi, Morocco’s inspirational captain, enjoyed a memorable season with Paris Saint-Germain.
He was part of the side that finally delivered the club’s first Champions League trophy, while also sweeping the French league and cup double, culminating in the European Super Cup.
Salah, Egypt’s talisman, was once again Liverpool’s driving force. His 29 goals and 18 assists powered the Reds to the Premier League title, earning him both the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards. At 33, he’s chasing a third CAF crown after wins in 2017 and 2018.
Nigeria’s Osimhen, meanwhile, lit up Turkey with Galatasaray. The striker finished as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals, guiding his club to a domestic double.
He already has one CAF Player of the Year title under his belt from 2023, when Hakimi finished runner‑up.
Last year’s winner, Ademola Lookman, missed out on the final cut this time.
The CAF Awards, scheduled for November 19 in Rabat, will also celebrate other categories. In the Interclub Player of the Year race, Pyramids FC teammates Fiston Mayele of DR Congo and Moroccan defender Mohamed Chibi join RS Berkane’s Oussama Lamliouli.
For Best Goalkeeper, Morocco’s Munir Mohamedi and Yassine Bounou face South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who scooped both Best Goalkeeper and Best Interclub Player last year.
The Best Coach shortlist includes Mohamed Ouhbi, who led Morocco to Under‑20 World Cup glory, national team boss Walid Regragui, and Cape Verde’s Bubista, who guided his nation to a historic first‑ever qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
