Salah and Hakimi nominated for African Players of the Year award

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi are among 10 stars nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year award, the organisers announced on Wednesday.

Salah finished fourth and Hakimi sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or and are the favourites for the African award.

Egypt captain Salah has been voted African Player of the Year twice while Morocco skipper Hakimi is seeking a first success.

Apart from Salah, the other two contenders from the Premier League are both Senegalese — Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and Everton striker Iliman Ndiaye.

Among the nominees are two standout players who ply their trade on the African continent. Congolese forward Fiston Mayele, representing Egyptian giants and reigning African champions Pyramids FC, has been a consistent force in front of goal, while Moroccan striker Oussama Lamlioui of Renaissance Berkane continues to make headlines for his scoring prowess in domestic and continental competitions.

Both players have earned recognition for their remarkable goal-scoring records and vital contributions to their respective clubs

Last year’s winner, Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman, surprisingly misses out on this year’s shortlist. However, his compatriot and 2023 African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, has once again been recognised for his outstanding performances, earning a place among the final nominees.

The shortlist of 10 nominees was selected by members of CAF’s Technical and Development Committee, national team coaches, former football stars, and a panel of distinguished media representatives.

Agencies