2025 Africa Cup of Nations Awards: Mane and Bono shine, Senegal crowned champions
The curtain fell on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco amidst a vibrant atmosphere and world-class organization, with Senegal's historic continental title win. This edition was more than just an African football competition; it also served as a showcase for the quality and influence of the Saudi Professional League (SPL), with stars from Riyadh's two giants, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, dominating the tournament's most prestigious individual awards.
Sadio Mane... The Lion of Teranga and Al-Nassr's star reigns supreme
Sadio Mane, the star of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr club and captain of the Senegalese national team, stole the show by winning the Player of the Tournament . This accolade was a culmination of the exceptional efforts made by the "Lion of Teranga" throughout the tournament, where he played the role of an inspirational leader both on and off the field. Mane proved that his move to the Saudi league did not diminish his international brilliance; rather, it enhanced his maturity and fitness, directly contributing to leading his country to the podium and maintaining Senegal's status as a major force in Africa.
The golden glove is in the hands of Al-Hilal's goalkeeper
On the other hand, Al-Hilal and Moroccan national team goalkeeper Yassine Bounou continued to make history by winning the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper . Despite the disappointment felt by Moroccan fans at losing the title, Bounou's performance was a shining example. He made numerous crucial saves and protected his goal in difficult situations throughout the knockout stages, confirming his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and representing Al-Hilal admirably in the continental competition.
Ibrahim Diaz outperforms Salah and Osimhen
In the race for the Golden Boot, Moroccan star Brahim Diaz secured the award with five goals. The competition was fierce until the very end, with Diaz edging out both Egypt's captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen by a single goal. This achievement underscores the attacking prowess of the Atlas Lions and Diaz's exceptional finishing ability.
Between regret and fair play... and a bright future for Morocco
The awards ceremony concluded with the Moroccan national team receiving the Fair Play , in a dramatic scene at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The moments of honor were mingled with tears of disappointment in the stands of the "Atlas Lions" after their dream of winning the title on home soil and in front of their fans slipped away.
Despite losing the title, the tournament confirmed Morocco's readiness to host major international events, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being seen as a successful rehearsal for the joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The tournament also showcased the remarkable development of African sports infrastructure and the growing influence of the Saudi Professional League, which now boasts some of the continent's best players, thus raising the level of competition and technical quality in international tournaments.
