The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the 2025 National Team of the Year award, with Morocco’s U-20 side leading a glittering field of contenders who have defined African football’s recent rise.
The young Atlas Cubs headline the shortlist after their sensational run at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where they lifted the trophy following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Uganda. Led by coach Saïd Nachvat, the Moroccan youngsters played an exhilarating brand of football outscoring opponents 14-3 and capturing global admiration.
“This team embodies the future,” Nachvat said after their triumph. “We’ve shown Africa what grit and talent can achieve together.”
Joining them are several continental heavyweights, including AFCON 2024 champions Côte d’Ivoire, whose dramatic home triumph under interim boss Emerse Fae remains one of football’s great comeback tales. Egypt, powered by Mohamed Salah’s blistering World Cup qualifying form, also make the cut as they chase an eighth AFCON crown.
Ghana’s Black Stars return to prominence with a stirring 2026 World Cup qualification campaign under Otto Addo, while South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Senegal’s Teranga Lions, Algeria, Tunisia, and Cape Verde complete the star-studded lineup. Morocco’s senior team unbeaten in 2026 qualifiers add to the intrigue as the host nation of December’s CAF Awards in Marrakech.
This year’s nominations reflect a thrilling year for African football one marked by youthful brilliance, veteran resurgence, and continental pride. Voting from coaches, journalists, and CAF technical experts will decide the winner at the ceremony in December.
As Morocco’s U-20 star Soufiane Benjdida put it, “The award is nice, but the journey? That’s the real trophy.”
