Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool fans have more reason to keep an eye on Mohamed Salah this week.
The Reds’ star attacker has been named among the top contenders for a major African football accolade, alongside some of the continent’s biggest talents.
Salah, currently 33, has been in sensational form in recent seasons, though he has faced challenges in maintaining his previous scoring consistency.
Joining him on the shortlist are Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Hakimi, 27, has had an impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the French side lift the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.
He also played a crucial role in PSG reaching the final of the expanded Club World Cup, where they finished runners-up to Chelsea.
While Hakimi is currently injured, he is expected to lead hosts Morocco in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21.
Osimhen has been outstanding for Galatasaray and the Nigerian national team.
However, some of his recent feats, including a Champions League hat-trick against Ajax and two goals in a 2026 World Cup play-off win over Gabon, will not count toward this award as the judging deadline was October 15.
The African women’s award also features top talent.
Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, a star at PSG, was voted the best player at this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations after helping Nigeria come from two goals behind to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final.
Moroccans Ghizlane Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy are also finalists.
Chebbak, daughter of former Moroccan international Larbi Chebbak, was the top scorer in the competition with five goals.
Mssoudy helped her club FAR reach the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The awards will be handed out in Rabat on Wednesday.
CAF’s technical and development committee members, coaches, former stars, and selected media representatives voted to determine the nominees.
Salah, a two-time winner of this award, is chasing another recognition after a stellar 2024-25 season with Liverpool.
He won the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals, six more than his new teammate Alexander Isak, and helped the Reds secure a record-equalling 20th league title.
Despite a recent dip in form, Salah remains a key figure for Liverpool and Africa, showcasing why he remains among the continent’s elite.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/C22pZJc3G7
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025
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