CAF Awards 2025: How football, music shared spotlight on memorable night

The CAF 2025 Awards in Rabat on November 19 felt in many ways like a sports ceremony and a glamorous cultural festival all mixed in one—an evening where football excellence mingled effortlessly with music, style and star power.

Players, coaches and legends from across the continent flocked to the Moroccan capital for a celebration that showcased just how deeply African football is embedded in the continent’s entertainment heartbeat.

The awards night saw Morocco shine brightest, with a commanding performance securing a total of six major prizes — the highest number won by any country at the CAF Awards ceremony.

Notably, Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year, while fellow Moroccan Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the CAF Women’s Player of the Year title, turning the night into a double victory for the host nation.

But beyond trophies, the Awards embraced a lifestyle of art, rhythm and identity. Three artists—each from a different generation—set the tone for a night that honoured Africa’s cultural soul just as much as its sporting icons.

Moroccan rising star Douaa Lahyaoui brought her signature blend of traditional influences and modern pop to the stage.

For Douaa, CAF says her presence at the ceremony “symbolises a new Moroccan generation confidently carrying the nation’s colours while engaging with contemporary sounds across the continent.”

Then came the high-voltage energy of Congolese icon Awilo Longomba, whose evergreen soukous anthems ignited the audience. CAF says Awilo’s set at the 2025 Awards “reaffirms the central place of Congolese music in Africa’s cultural heritage.”

Rounding out the musical trio was Fuse ODG, the Anglo-Ghanaian Afrobeats star known for connecting London cool with Accra’s vibrant pulse.

CAF described Fuse ODG as "seamlessly bridging continents" and an "embodiment of a generation that is open, inventive and deeply rooted in African identity, as he will bring energy, warmth and lightness to a night dedicated to African football’s finest.”

CAF also presented a hosting duo of global music titan Angélique Kidjo from Benin and Moroccan comedian and showman Oualas.

Kidjo is a five-time Grammy winner, while Oualas’ fast rise in North Africa has made him one of the region’s most recognisable entertainers.