Ghizlane Chebbak Crowned 2025 CAF Women’s Player Of The Year

In a surprising turn at the 2025 CAF Awards, Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Player of the Year, edging out Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade, widely tipped as the favourite. The award caps a remarkable year for Chebbak, whose performances for both club and country in 2025 were exceptional.

Chebbak’s triumph followed her dominant showing at WAFCON 2024, where she finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. Her leadership and relentless energy guided the Atlas Lionesses to the final, and her influence on Morocco’s rise in African women’s football did not go unnoticed.

At club level, Chebbak continued to impress for Al Hilal, demonstrating her elite playmaking and goalscoring abilities. The victory marks her first CAF Women’s Player of the Year award and a major milestone in a career defined by consistency and excellence.

Rasheedat Ajibade’s omission raised eyebrows, given her stellar achievements over the past year. The Super Falcons captain led Nigeria to the WAFCON 2024 title, winning three Player of the Match awards and being named the tournament’s Best Player. She also completed a high-profile transfer from Atletico Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain, further cementing her status among world football’s elite.

Fellow Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy also had a standout year, excelling in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, but it was Chebbak’s overall consistency and impact that ultimately earned her the coveted award.

Chebbak’s win reflects a year of dedication, leadership, and excellence, highlighting her as one of African women’s football’s true icons.