In the thrilling build-up to the CAF’s Men’s Player of the Year award, the field has been narrowed from 10 standout nominees to a formidable trio of finalists. The countdown to December 12, 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco, promises to unveil the ultimate victor of this prestigious title.
Enter the arena, where football prowess meets destiny – the top 3 contenders, Mohammed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Victor Osimhen, stand ready for a head-to-head battle. Only one will emerge triumphantly, seizing the coveted crown with unparalleled international and club career stats from the dynamic 2022/2023 season.
As the anticipation mounts, the expert panel selected by CAF holds the power to tip the scales in favour of the most deserving player. The votes will flow, determining which footballer will outshine the rest in a dazzling showcase of skill and technique.
Brace yourselves for a spectacle as these three finalists, each a maestro in their own right, vie for glory with fundamental football brilliance on full display. The stage is set, and the stakes are high – who will etch their name into football history as the CAF’s Men’s Player of the Year 2023? The answer unfolds in Marrakech.
Here’s a recap of some of the noteworthy achievements of the 3 finalists.
Mohammed Salah(Egypt): In both Liverpool FC and the Egypt national team, Mo Salah assumes a pivotal role, showcasing an impeccable playing style that defines excellence. A linchpin in both squads, he proved his mettle as the second-highest goalscorer in the fiercely contested 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League.
Moreover, his goal-scoring prowess extends to the national stage, where he proudly holds the title of the second-highest goalscorer in Egypt, boasting an impressive tally of over 50 goals. Salah’s on-field finesse and goal-scoring prowess mark him as a true force to be reckoned with, solidifying his status as a football virtuoso.
Over the weekend, he reached another Liverpool milestone as one of few players to net 200 goals for the club.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): A key figure for Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a dynamic force for the Moroccan national team, Achraf Hakimi seamlessly juggles roles as a right-back or right-winger. His contributions transcend mere positions, as he adeptly plays architect and goal-scorer for PSG, propelling the club to the summit of their league.
In a standout moment at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Achraf Hakimi orchestrated a performance that etched history for Morocco. With deft skill and determination.
He steered the national team to uncharted territory, securing a coveted spot in the quarterfinals – a groundbreaking achievement for the country, marking their first-ever presence at this stage in the prestigious tournament. His impact both domestically and on the international stage positions him as a player of remarkable versatility and influence.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Regarded as one of the premier strikers on the global stage, Victor Osimhen graces the ranks of Serie A’s Napoli and the esteemed Nigerian national team. In a defining moment, he etched his name in Napoli’s storied history by netting the equalising goal that clinched the Serie A title after a 33-year drought.
His goal-scoring prowess extends beyond domestic glory, as evidenced by his stellar performance in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where he emerged as the top goalscorer, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Breaking barriers and rewriting records, Victor Osimhen made history as the first Nigerian player to secure a coveted spot among the top 10 nominees for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, standing shoulder to shoulder with key players on the world stage in 2023.
A testament to his extraordinary talent and impact, Victor continues to shape the narrative as one of the standout figures in contemporary football.
The finalists of the men’s Player of the Year award may be debatable as all 3 contenders are worldwide renowned players who have created a stance for themselves on a global scale and left a mark in the hearts of football fans. It shows that each of them is worthy to be called the African men’s player of the year but who will be awarded the title will be revealed soon as not only Africa but the world awaits.
