CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025: Ranking Africa’s Top Four Contenders

After a season of standout performances across Europe, the race for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year is heating up. With some of Africa’s brightest stars lighting up club football, the competition is fierce, and the margin for victory razor-thin. Among the top contenders is Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who headlines a formidable list of nominees that includes Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Serhou Guirassy.

Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (Nigeria)

Victor Osimhen capped off a sensational season by winning the Golden Boot in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring 26 goals to help Galatasaray clinch their 25th league title. He was also named Player of the Season and played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic double, contributing 37 goals and eight assists across all competitions, including the Turkish Cup triumph.

Osimhen’s lethal finishing and tireless work rate have made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, with clubs such as Al Hilal, Juventus, and Manchester United reportedly showing interest. Galatasaray, however, are determined to retain their talisman and build their squad around him.

Despite the Turkish league’s lower profile compared to Europe’s top five leagues, Osimhen’s consistency and influence this season cannot be ignored. He remains in strong contention for what would be his second CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain (Morocco)

Achraf Hakimi enters the conversation as arguably the frontrunner for the award. The Moroccan full-back was a central figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic quadruple-winning campaign, which included Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League.

Hakimi scored in the Champions League final and ended the season with nine goals and 14 assists—a staggering return for a defender. Beyond the numbers, his stamina, tactical discipline, and ability to dictate transitions were integral to PSG’s dominance. After finishing runner-up in 2024, Hakimi now has a compelling case to go one better.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (Egypt)

At 32, Mohamed Salah continues to redefine consistency at the highest level. The Egyptian forward enjoyed another stellar campaign, claiming the Premier League title along with the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards.

Salah racked up 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions, including 29 goals and 18 assists in the league. He also became the fifth-highest scorer in Premier League history, with 186 goals, and was named both the Premier League Player of the Season and the FWA Footballer of the Year.

However, his campaign wasn’t without setbacks. Underwhelming performances in key matches—particularly the Champions League defeat to PSG and losses in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals—may slightly dent his chances.

Serhou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund (Guinea)

Often flying under the radar, Serhou Guirassy delivered one of the most impressive individual campaigns in Europe this season. The Guinean striker led Borussia Dortmund’s line with confidence, finishing as joint-top scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 13 goals, sharing the Golden Boot with Raphinha.

In the Bundesliga and other competitions, he tallied 21 goals and 10 assists, keeping Dortmund competitive despite an inconsistent season for the club. His hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League knockout stage was a defining moment.

Guirassy’s performances in clutch situations and his leadership during Dortmund’s late unbeaten run to secure Champions League qualification speak volumes about his importance to the team. Though not as high-profile as other contenders, his case is arguably the most underrated.

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Projected Ranking for CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025

1. Achraf Hakimi – A rare season for a full-back, combining defensive solidity with elite attacking numbers in a record-breaking year for PSG.

2. Serhou Guirassy – Carried a struggling Dortmund side and shone on Europe’s biggest stage.

3. Mohamed Salah – Still world-class, but key defeats may weaken his case.

4. Victor Osimhen – Outstanding stats, though playing in a less competitive league could work against him.

The 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year race is tighter than ever. While all four players have made a strong case, the final decision will hinge on votes—which, as always, could be swayed by narratives, reputations, and timing.