The CAF African Player of the Year award isn’t just about who’s popular, it’s a process built to reflect expertise and consistent performance. Softfootball understands that for the 2025 edition, the voting followed the usual CAF methodology, which is designed to put professional judgement first.
National team captains and coaches, club captains, media representatives from across Africa, and members of CAF’s Technical and Development Committee all had a say. Fans don’t vote, so there’s no risk of the award turning into a popularity contest.
Each voter picks their top three players, with points assigned as 5 for first place, 3 for second, and 1 for third. The player with the most total points wins. Simple in theory, but in practice it ensures the winner has broad respect from the people who actually know football, the experts who watch, analyse, and experience it day in and day out.
Achraf Hakimi’s CAF Player of the Year win today is a perfect example of how this system rewards impact and leadership. Being a defender, his victory is historic, the first time since 1973 a defender has lifted the award, but it wasn’t just symbolic. His 11 goals, 16 assists, and Champions League triumph with PSG showed a rare offensive influence for someone in his position. CAP posted a video of Hakimi admiring his Player of the Year award via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
On top of that, his captaincy of Morocco and consistent performances in high-pressure matches earned him recognition across the board, making him the second PSG player to win an award off last season following Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or triumph last month.
Hakimi’s success also signals a shift in African football. The panel isn’t just looking at goal scorers anymore, midfielders and defenders are getting credit when their contributions go beyond traditional roles. Coaches, captains, and journalists all acknowledged that real excellence comes in many forms, and that’s exactly what makes the CAF Player of the Year award credible, respected, and evolving with the modern game.
