Akram Afif Aims for Historic Third AFC Player of the Year Award

Qatar’s national football team player and Al Sadd Club striker Akram Afif has a shot at history as he seeks to become the first player to win the AFC Player of the Year award three times. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) revealed the nominees for the prestigious accolade today, ahead of the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025, set to take place on October 16, 2025.

The awards will be hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the ceremony presented by NEOM at the King Fahd Cultural Center. The event promises to showcase the continent’s outstanding talents across 20 award categories. In addition to Afif, notable contenders include Arif Aiman Hanapi from Malaysia and Saudi Arabian star Salem Al Dawsari.

Outstanding Performances in the 2024/25 Season

Afif, who previously claimed the award in 2019 and 2024, had another remarkable season. He played a pivotal role in helping Al Sadd SC secure their record 18th league title and reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2024/25 season. The 28-year-old forward also excelled in the AFC Asian Qualifiers, playing a crucial part in securing Qatar’s place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, while still pursuing FIFA World Cup qualification.

Arif Aiman Hanapi made history as the first Malaysian nominated for the award. The 23-year-old forward had an impressive season with Johor Darul Ta’zim, scoring five goals as the team reached the Round of 16 in the AFC Champions League Elite and clinched the domestic treble. His contributions have been vital as Malaysia aims for a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Salem Al Dawsari, who won the award in 2022, hopes to add another title to his name after a standout season with Al Hilal SFC. The 34-year-old led his team to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. Al Dawsari has also been instrumental at the international level, as Saudi Arabia continues its pursuit of FIFA World Cup qualification.

Full List of Nominees for AFC Awards Riyadh 2025

The nominees for this year’s AFC Awards represent a diverse range of talent from across the continent. Here is the complete list:

AFC Player of the Year

– Arif Aiman Hanapi (Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Malaysia)

– Akram Afif (Al Sadd SC and Qatar)

– Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal SFC and Saudi Arabia)

AFC Women’s Player of the Year

– Holly McNamara (Melbourne City FC and Australia)

– Wang Shuang (Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC and China)

– Hana Takahashi (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies and Japan)

AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Men)

– Mehdi Taremi (Internazionale/Olympiacos and Iran)

– Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad and Japan)

– Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain and South Korea)

AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Women)

– Stephanie Catley (Arsenal FC and Australia)

– Maika Hamano (Chelsea FC and Japan)

– Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City and Japan)

AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men)

– Alex Badolato (Melbourne Victory and Australia)

– Hamed Yousef (Al Ittihad and Saudi Arabia)

– Sadriddin Khasanov (FC Bunyodkor and Uzbekistan)

AFC Member Association of the Year (Platinum)

– Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran

– Japan Football Association

– Saudi Arabian Football Federation

This year’s awards promise to highlight the extraordinary achievements of players and associations across Asia, celebrating the growth and popularity of football on the continent. The excitement surrounding the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 is palpable, as fans and athletes alike await the results on the grand stage.