Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain has been crowned the 2025 Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.

The 27-year-old won the prize ahead of Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool).

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Hakimi replaces Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as the best player on the continent.

The defender had finished in second place for two consecutive years.

Former England striker, Wayne Rooney, has picked his top three performers in the Premier League so far this season.

According to Rooney, they are Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth.

“Top three, probably Semenyo, I think he’s been brilliant for Bournemouth, carrying on his form from last season,” Rooney told Amazon Prime.

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“I’d also put Bryan Mbeumo in there. I think he’s been really good for Manchester United, even after a difficult start to the season for the club. I think he’s been really good.

“The third one, I’d probably go with Gyokeres.”

Dutch-born defender, Osaze Urhoghide, has been announced FC Dallas Defender of the Year.

The defender, was said to have played a pivotal role for Major League Soccer (MLS), gaint, earning him player of the week on the last day of the season alongside Leo Messi who plays for Inter Miami.

Osaze got a decisive goal in the second of the season, which placed his team in the playoffs, before losing to German Thomas Mulier team FC Vancouver.
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The Dutch-born defender, with parents from Edo State, has finally found stability with FC Dallas after a turbulent start to his career, which saw him play for several clubs in Europe, including Celtic in Scotland, Ostende in Belgium, and Amiens in France.

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This season, he played 31 matches and scored two goals, helping FC Dallas achieve success.
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‎His impressive performances have earned him the Player of the Year award and recognition as the best defender for his club in the league.
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‎”Winning the Defender of the Season award is a great honor, but it’s not just about individual accolades,” Osaze said. “It’s about the team, and I’m proud to have been part of a successful season with FC Dallas. I’m looking forward to bringing that success next season or at the international level if invited.

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‎When asked about his plans for the off-season, Osaze revealed that he intends to help Nigerians and engage in charity work.

“I want to give back to the community and inspire young Nigerian kids to pursue their dreams. Football is a powerful tool for social change, and I want to be part of it.”
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Some football analysts of the opinion that ‎Osazee’s call-up to the Super Eagles would be a refreshing and significant boost to the team’s chances in the Nations Cup.

The believed with his experience, skill, and determination, he would be a valuable addition to the squad.