Salah, Hakimi, Osimhen and Guirassy among the nominees for African Player of Year

The 10-man shortlist for the 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award has been announced, and it promises a serious race between some truly remarkable players.

Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi lead the contenders, with Victor Osimhen and Serhou Guirassy also among the favourites to win the award.

Salah won the CAF award in 2017 and 2018, Osimhen in 2023, and Hakimi finished as runner-up in the past two years.

The other candidates are Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, Napoli's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, DR Congo striker Fiston Mayele, Gabon forward Denis Bouanga, and Moroccan midfielder Oussama Lamlioui.

Last year's winner, Ademola Lookman, is not on the shortlist. A panel of experts appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) nominated the players, coaches, and teams that made "a significant impact" between 6 January and 15 October this year.

Regarding coaches, Cape Verde's boss Bubista is nominated for men's Coach of the Year after leading the Blue Sharks to a historic first-ever qualification for the World Cup.

Nigeria pair Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade are among the nominees for the Women's Player of the Year award, which was announced last week.

CAF is yet to announce a date for the awards ceremony.