Victor Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi – CAF Awards Player of the Year final three

Victor Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi – CAF Awards Player of the Year final three
Credit: Icon sport

The anticipation is palpable as the CAF Awards Player of the Year approaches, with three exceptional players—Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi—standing out as the final contenders.

Each player has left an indelible mark during the 2022/23 season, with a series of achievements and contributions that have elevated their status to the top echelons of the sport.

CAF Awards Player of the Year – three finalists

Victor Osimhen's Serie A triumph

Victor Osimhen in action for Napoli
Credit: Icon Sport

A standout among the finalists, Victor Osimhen, played a pivotal role in Napoli's spectacular Serie A triumph during the 2022/23 season.

The Super Eagles player goal-scoring prowess was extraordinary, earning him the prestigious title of Serie A Top Scorer (Capocannoniere) with an impressive tally of 31 goals.

Victor Osimhen's stellar performances were instrumental in Napoli securing the Scudetto, marking a season of individual and team success.

Achraf Hakimi's historic World Cup journey

Achraf HAKIMI of PSG during the UEFA Champions League Group F
Credit: Icon sport

Hakimi's most remarkable achievement during the 2022/23 season was his pivotal role in the successful Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign with Morocco.

The Moroccan played a key role in propelling the North African nation to the semi-final, creating history as the first African nation to achieve this feat.

At the club level, the 25-year-old full-back added to his accolades by clinching the Ligue 1 trophy with Paris Saint-Germain.

Mohamed Salah's goal-scoring brilliance

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool prays as he emerges from the tunnel before the Premier League match
Credit: Icon sport

Salah continued to dazzle with his goal-scoring prowess for Liverpool during the 2022/23 season, netting an impressive total of 30 goals across all competitions.

The Egyptian's contributions were not limited to domestic success, as he lifted the Community Shield, adding another trophy to his illustrious career.

Countdown to glory: Marrakech to host 2023 CAF Awards

It should be noted that the city of Marrakech, Morocco will host the 2023 CAF Awards on Monday, 11 December 2023, with the event set to take place at Movenpick Hotel at 19:00 Nigerian Time.

As the CAF Awards Player of the Year ceremony draws near, the accomplishments of Osimhen, Salah, and Hakimi stand as testaments to their exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.

Whether it's leading a team to Serie A glory, making history in the World Cup, or consistently finding the back of the net in top-flight competitions, each player has made an indelible mark on the football landscape.

The final decision promises to be a challenging one, as fans eagerly await the announcement of the Player of the Year.

This article was most recently revised and updated 11 months ago

Rababe Koussaimi, a 22-year-old journalist, is deeply passionate about the world of sports. She grew up in a footballing environment, supporting both Bayern Munich and Wydad Athletic Club. She began her English journalism career by hosting a podcast for the first English radio station in Morocco. Currently, the Moroccan journalist channels her enthusiasm into writing and conducting extensive research, creating insightful and engaging content for GoalBall Live readers.