A prize that defines African greatness

The CAF Player of the Year award is the most prestigious individual honor in African football. Since its modern creation in 1992, it has crowned legends, defined eras and elevated icons.

This Wednesday, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen battle to join a hall of fame marked by dominance, longevity and unforgettable milestones.

Eto’o and Touré: The untouchable record

No two players have shaped the award like Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré.
Both superstars remain four-time winners, an all-time record unmatched across the continent.

4 Titles – Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
4 Titles – Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast)

Their dominance has become the benchmark every new generation is measured against. And for the first time in years, the trio of finalists has a chance to shift the historical landscape.

What a Salah victory would mean

If Mohamed Salah wins the 2025 award, the Egyptian king would reach three CAF Player of the Year titles, standing alone as the second-most decorated winner in history, behind only Eto’o and Touré.

Salah’s previous wins:

• 2017 – A historic season leading Egypt to the World Cup and shining for Liverpool
• 2018 – Dominant Premier League performances and Champions League brilliance

A third trophy would solidify his legacy not only as Egypt’s greatest player, but as one of Africa’s definitive modern icons — a forward who elevated the continent on the Premier League and Champions League stages.

What a Hakimi triumph would represent

Should Achraf Hakimi win, the PSG full-back would become:

• Only the second Moroccan to ever win the modern CAF award
  (after Mustapha Hadji in 1998)

Before CAF’s modern award began, Morocco had already produced three winners of the France Football African Ballon d’Or (1970–1994):

• Ahmed Faras (1975)
• Mohamed Timoumi (1985)
• Badou Zaki (1986)

A Hakimi win would mark a new era for North African football—rewarding a defender whose consistency, versatility and influence at both PSG and Morocco have placed him among the continent’s most complete players.

What an Osimhen win would signal

A victory for Victor Osimhen would give Nigeria back-to-back winners, following Ademola Lookman’s triumph in 2024.

Nigeria’s previous modern-era winners include:

• Nwankwo Kanu
• Victor Ikpeba
• Rashidi Yekini

Osimhen’s success with Napoli — including his historic Scudetto — and his central role with the Super Eagles would reinforce his standing as Africa’s next great striker, capable of carrying the nation into a new golden cycle.

A night that could rewrite African football history

Whether it’s Salah’s coronation, Hakimi’s breakthrough, or Osimhen’s rise, this year’s CAF Player of the Year ceremony will add a new chapter to Africa’s football legacy.

Three stars, one crown — and a place in history waiting for its next rightful owner.