The CAF’s consistent recognition of performance has significantly shaped the global acceptance of African talent, creating excitement among football lovers who eagerly anticipate the nominees and winners each year.
While some football fans may express reservations about certain players being nominated or omitted, others are more focused on examining the contributions of the nominated players to see what earned them recognition on the list.
In this article, TVC tracks the winners of the CAF Player of the Year award from 2010 to the present:
2024 Ademola Lookman from Nigeria
2023 Victor Osimhen from Nigeria
2022 Sadio Mané from Senegal
2021 Not Awarded (COVID-19)
2020 Not Awarded (COVID-19)
2019 Sadio Mané from Senegal
2018 Mohamed Salah from Egypt
2017 Mohamed Salah from Egypt
2016 Riyad Mahrez from Algeria
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2015 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Gabon
2014 Yaya Touré from Ivory Coast
2013 Yaya Touré from Ivory Coast
2012 Yaya Touré from Ivory Coast
2011 Yaya Touré from Ivory Coast
2010 Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon
TVC previously reported that the Confederation of African Football has unveiled the 2025 nomination list to recognise the performance of players from the continent in the men’s category, with the players’ contributions in their respective clubs and national teams.
According to a Wednesday statement on the CAF website, the awards recognise the impact of players and coaches from Africa and their performance across global football during the period from January 6 to October 15, 2025.
CAF revealed that a panel of experts, including members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, experienced coaches, CAF Legends, and selected media representatives, selected 10 nominees for each category, considering performances across all competitions.
Osimhen, Hakimi, Salah Lead Race For 2025 CAF Africa Player Nomination
