With just two months to go before the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the first round of nominees for its prestigious CAF Awards—and Morocco has emerged as one of the dominant forces on the list.
In the race for African Player of the Year, two Moroccan internationals are among the contenders. Star right-back Achraf Hakimi, a mainstay of the national team, is joined by forward Oussama Lamlioui of RS Berkane. They’re up against some of the continent’s biggest names, including Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
Lamlioui also appears in the category for Best Interclub Player, where he’s nominated alongside Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, the captain of AS FAR, and Mohamed Chibi, now playing for Pyramids FC. These selections highlight the impact Moroccan players continue to make, both domestically and on the continental stage.
Morocco’s next generation of football talent is also getting well-deserved recognition. Three young players—Othman Maamma, Houssam Essadak, and Abdellah Ouazane—have been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award. Their inclusion reflects the country’s ongoing investment in youth development and the strength of its football academies.
When it comes to goalkeeping, Morocco continues to set the standard. Yassine Bounou, known for his clutch performances on the international scene, is joined by Munir El Kajoui in the category for Best Goalkeeper. Their nominations are a testament to the depth of talent Morocco boasts in one of football’s most demanding positions.
On the national level, Morocco has been nominated for National Team of the Year—not just for the senior squad, but also for the U20 side. The country’s club scene is also well represented, with RS Berkane making the shortlist for Club of the Year, further cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s top-performing teams.
Moroccan coaching talent is also in the spotlight. National team coach Walid Regragui is up for Coach of the Year, joined by Mohamed Ouahbi (U20) and Tarik Sektioui (U23), both praised for their leadership and success with Morocco’s youth national teams.
With nominations across nearly every major category, Morocco’s presence in the 2025 CAF Awards underscores the nation’s growing stature in African football. From rising stars and seasoned professionals to elite coaching staff and standout teams, the country is positioning itself as a continental powerhouse—both on and off the pitch.
