The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the 10-man shortlist for the prestigious 2025 African Footballer of the Year Award, with Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah emerging as the frontrunners. Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back, played a pivotal role in Paris St-Germain’s domestic league and cup double, as well as their Champions League triumph last season. Salah, the Egyptian forward, secured the Premier League Golden Boot and helped Liverpool reclaim the league title. Other notable contenders include Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, the 2023 winner. The list also features Cameroon’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui. Salah, a two-time winner in 2017 and 2018, and Hakimi, a runner-up in the past two years, are expected to be the primary challengers for the title. Last year’s winner, Ademola Lookman, did not make the cut. The nominees were selected by a panel of experts based on their significant impact between January 6 and October 15, 2024. Cape Verde’s coach Bubista is also in contention for the Men’s Coach of the Year after leading his team to a historic World Cup qualification. The awards ceremony date is yet to be announced by CAF.