.png)
African football is experiencing a major moment in November 2025 with the CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, a prestigious event celebrating the continent’s top players and coaches. Achraf Hakimi, the talented Paris Saint-Germain defender, is presented as the main favorite to win the coveted African Ballon d’Or this year, following an outstanding season. However, the competition from Mohamed Salah and the complex voting system set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) promise an intense suspense. Hervé Penot, a journalist at L’Équipe and an African football specialist, provides his exclusive analysis of this competition.
The 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat: A Highly Anticipated Event
A Major Continental Gathering
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Rabat will host the CAF Awards ceremony honoring the best African football talents. This gala rewards players, coaches, and teams who have made remarkable performances throughout the year. Among all the awards, the African Ballon d’Or remains the most prestigious, symbolizing individual supremacy on the continent.
Achraf Hakimi, a Legitimate Favorite
An Exceptional Season at PSG
For the third consecutive year, Achraf Hakimi is among the contenders for the African Ballon d’Or. After finishing second in 2024 behind Nigerian Lookman, Hakimi returns stronger than ever. European champion with PSG, he has shone with 5 goals and 5 assists in the Champions League, as well as reaching the Club World Cup final. Overall, he has contributed 30 decisive actions (15 goals and 15 assists) across all competitions with his club and the Moroccan national team.
The Hakimi vs. Salah Duel: Hervé Penot’s Analysis
Arguments in Favor of Hakimi
Hervé Penot does not hide his preference for Hakimi: “For me, Hakimi is the number one favorite.” He highlights Hakimi’s decisive impact on all fronts and his key role in PSG’s and Morocco’s successes.
The Salah Threat and the Influence of the Voting System
However, the expert warns against the CAF’s voting system, which involves African national team coaches, captains, and former players: “There will be a match within the match between Hakimi and Mohamed Salah.” According to Penot, the popularity and importance of the Premier League in English-speaking countries give Mohamed Salah, who was champion with Liverpool, an advantage that could influence the votes.
The Case of Victor Osimhen
Although Victor Osimhen scored 37 goals in 41 matches, Penot believes his chances are slim this year, unable to compete with the overall impact of Hakimi and Salah.
Moroccan Presence in the Coach of the Year Category
Moroccan Candidates in the Running
Moroccan football is also shining in the race for African Coach of the Year with Walid Regragui and Mohamed Ouahbi, alongside Bubista, the Cape Verdean coach. According to Hervé Penot, “Mohamed Ouahbi is best positioned to win this award,” although the competition promises to be tough.
Conclusion: Intense Suspense for a Historic Title
With such a solid season, Achraf Hakimi seems to be the top favorite to claim the 2025 African Ballon d’Or, but the duel with Mohamed Salah promises to be fierce. The CAF voting system adds a layer of suspense that will keep African football fans on edge until the trophy ceremony in Rabat. This event is also a celebration of the Moroccan football’s growing influence on the continental stage.