As Morocco readies itself for the kickoff of AFCON 2025 this Sunday, December 21, 2025, excitement pulses through stadiums, streets, and living rooms across the continent.
Every nation arrives with a dream: to lift the coveted trophy, to hear their anthem echo across Africa, and to witness heroes emerge from the heat of battle.
But beyond team glory, AFCON has always celebrated individual brilliance, the players whose performances transcend the game and define an era.
From the inaugural tournament in 1957 to the recent 2023 edition, the Player of the Tournament award has spotlighted men who carried nations on their shoulders, scored unforgettable goals, inspired victories, and sometimes turned heartbreak into legendary status.
Full list of winners at Fifa’s ‘The Best Awards’
This is a journey through the decades, revisiting the icons of African football, how their teams fared, and the moments that made them immortal on the continent’s greatest footballing stage.
From Ad Diba lighting the spark for Egypt in 1957, to Sadio Mané leading Senegal to its first-ever triumph in 2021, and William Troost Ekong anchoring Nigeria’s valiant 2023 campaign, we explore the stories behind the names, the goals, the leadership, the courage, and the history written in every match.
1957 — Ad Diba (Egypt)
In the very first AFCON, Egypt were crowned champions, sweeping aside Ethiopia 4-0 in Khartoum. Ad Diba’s creative spark was the heartbeat of a side that showed the continent a new footballing dawn.
1959 — Mahmoud El Gohary (Egypt)
Egypt defended their title in 1959, beating Sudan 2 1. El Gohary’s influence was immense, setting into motion a legacy that would see him go on to lead Egypt as a coach decades later, including guiding them to a historic World Cup appearance.
1962 — Mengistu Worku (Ethiopia)
In 1962, Ethiopia shocked the football world by lifting their only AFCON trophy, defeating mighty Egypt 4 2.
Mengistu Worku was the heartbeat of this triumph, the first Ethiopian to win the Player of the Tournament, anchoring a historic title run that remains etched in lore.
1963 — Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt)
Although Egypt failed to reclaim the crown, El Shazly orchestrated attacks and reminded the continent why the Pharaohs were early AFCON royalty.
1965 — Osei Kofi (Ghana)
This edition saw Ghana crowned champions again, edging Tunisia 3 2. Osei Kofi’s dazzling play was central to Ghana’s rise as a dominant force in African football.
1968 — Kazadi Mwamba (DR Congo)
DR Congo finished as champions in 1968, beating Ghana 1-0 in the final.
Kazadi Mwamba’s assured leadership earned him Best Player honours in a competition that announced the rise of Central African football.
1970 — Laurent Pokou (Côte d’Ivoire)
The Ivorian talisman was the stand out performer even though Sudan won the title.
Pokou’s goal scoring ability gave Ivory Coast hope and respect that resonated long after the trophy was lifted.
1972 — Jean Pierre Tokoto (Cameroon)
Cameroon’s early AFCON journey continued with steady progress.
Although they didn’t lift the trophy, Tokoto’s dynamism ushered in the era of the Indomitable Lions. He helped them secure a bronze medal at the end of the tournament.
1974 — Ndaye Mulamba (DR Congo)
In a breathtaking tournament where DR Congo claimed the title, Mulamba exploded with 9 goals, a record that still stands and dominated kickoff to final the whistle, etching his name in continental immortality.
1976 — Ahmed Faras (Morocco)
Morocco lifted their only AFCON title this year, with Faras an inspirer both on the pitch and in the dressing room, leading his nation in front of passionate home crowds.
1978 — Karim Abdul Razak (Ghana)
Ghana reclaimed the crown, beating Uganda 2-0 in the final. Razak’s midfield tenacity and goals underpinned the Black Stars’ mastery in continental football.
1980 — Christian Chukwu (Nigeria)
Nigeria’s first AFCON triumph came after they beat Algeria 3-0 in the final in Lagos. It was a defining moment for the Super Eagles.
Captain Chukwu’s defensive authority and leadership encapsulated Nigeria’s rise to prominence.
1982 — Fawzi Al Issawi (Libya)
Libya were runners-up this year, as Ghana claimed their fourth title. The midfielder’s vision and command earned him the Best Player award, a rare continental recognition for North African flair.
1984 — Théophile Abega (Cameroon)
This was the dawn of Cameroon’s footballing empire. The Indomitable Lions won 3 1 over Nigeria)and Abega’s control in midfield was indispensable.
He was rewarded with the accolade at the end of the tournament.
1986 and 1988 — Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Cameroon dominated the latter 1980s. In both 1986 when they were runners-up, and 1988, when they won their second trophy.
Milla’s ageing artistry led the Lions to glory, blending experience with moments of sheer genius en route to legendary status.
1990 — Rabah Madjer (Algeria)
Algeria lifted their first AFCON, beating Nigeria by a goal, and Madjer’s tactical brilliance proved decisive, a captain in thought and action.
1992 — Abedi Pele (Ghana)
Ghana finished second but Abedi Pele’s mesmerising talent and leadership were undeniable, earning him Best Player as his nation reached the final.
1994 — Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)
Nigeria reclaimed the crown, beating Zambia in Tunisia. Yekini’s lethal finishing earned him both the scoring and Best Player accolades.
1996 — Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia)
Zambia won the bronze medal and Bwalya’s creativity and goals made him a deserved standout, leading a team that captured hearts.
1998 — Benni McCarthy (South Africa)
South Africa finished as runners-up, but McCarthy’s relentless runs and goals lit the tournament and put Bafana Bafana firmly on the continental map.
2000 — Lauren (Cameroon)
Cameroon lifted the cup in a tense final against Nigeria. After a 2-2 draw after extra time, Cameroon won the shootouts to claim the title. Lauren’s seamless link between defense and attack earned him the spotlight.
2002 — Rigobert Song (Cameroon)
Another Cameroon title, and Song’s defensive leadership anchored a unit that was both organised and dominant throughout.
2004 — Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
Even though Nigeria finished third, Okocha’s creativity and vision made him the undisputed star of the tournament, thrilling fans with audacious skills.
2006 and 2010 — Ahmed Hassan (Egypt)
In an era of Egyptian dominance, three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Ahmed Hassan was the cerebral backbone. Twice Best Player, he became one of the most decorated figures in AFCON history.
2008 — Hosny Abd Rabo (Egypt)
Part of Egypt’s three peat, Hosny’s midfield excellence powered the Pharaohs through a tournament of goals and glory.
2012 — Christopher Katongo (Zambia)
Zambia’s storybook triumph, defeating Ivory Coast on penalties in the final, was anchored by Katongo’s leadership and grit.
2013 — Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso)
Burkina Faso finished runners-up in 2013, and Pitroipa’s craft and electric pace were pivotal in his nation’s deep run.
2015 — Christian Atsu (Ghana)
In a year where Ghana finished as runners-up, Atsu’s flair and penetrating runs drew global attention.
2017 — Christian Bassogog (Cameroon)
Cameroon won the title, and Bassogog’s impact on the flank, speed, directness, and goals helped restore the Lions’ dominance.
2019 — Ismaël Bennacer (Algeria)
Algeria won convincingly, and Bennacer’s balancing act in midfield encapsulated a team built on tactical intelligence.
2021 — Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Senegal claimed their first ever AFCON title, and Mané’s clutch goals, including crucial strikes and the decisive penalty in the final shoot out, made him a national hero.
2023 — William Troost Ekong (Nigeria)
In the 2023 final, Ivory Coast were champions with Nigeria as the runners-up.
Despite not lifting the trophy, Troost Ekong’s commanding presence earned him the Best Player accolade as Nigeria challenged fiercely until the end.
FKA/JE
Mahama promises Alan Kyerematen ‘a very special place’ ahead of AU chair position:
