African football stars make the continent proud as they earn nominations for FIFA’s prestigious The Best Awards
By Burnett Munthali
Africa’s football brilliance has once again captured global attention as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Malawi’s Temwa Chaŵinga, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie have been named among the nominees for the FIFA The Best Football Awards 2025.
The four outstanding players represent the continent’s finest talent, having excelled for both their clubs and national teams over the past season.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward and Liverpool star, continues to dominate headlines with his consistent performances in the English Premier League and on the international stage.
His leadership, skill, and goal-scoring prowess have kept him among the world’s football elite for nearly a decade.
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, also earned his nomination through a combination of defensive strength, lightning pace, and attacking creativity.
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Hakimi has been instrumental for both club and country, particularly during Morocco’s historic World Cup and AFCON campaigns, where his contributions have redefined the modern full-back role in African football.
From Southern Africa, Malawi’s Temwa Chaŵinga continues to break barriers and fly the country’s flag high.
The talented forward, currently playing in China for Wuhan Jianghan University FC, has been exceptional in the Chinese Women’s Super League, where her consistent scoring and leadership have made her one of Africa’s most admired female footballers.
Temwa’s nomination is especially significant as it highlights the rapid rise of women’s football in Malawi and the Southern African region.
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Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also stands out as one of Africa’s brightest stars in women’s football.
Her heroics for Paris FC in France and the Nigerian national team have earned her global respect, particularly after her standout performances during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nnadozie’s confidence, command of the penalty area, and ability to save crucial spot-kicks have made her one of the most talked-about goalkeepers in the women’s game.
The nominations of Salah, Hakimi, Chaŵinga, and Nnadozie at the FIFA The Best Awards demonstrate Africa’s growing influence in world football.
It is a celebration of talent, discipline, and perseverance from a continent that continues to produce footballers capable of competing with the best in the world.
Fans across Africa have already taken to social media to celebrate the nominees, expressing pride in the athletes who continue to bring global recognition to the continent.
The FIFA The Best Awards 2025 ceremony will honour players, coaches, and teams that have excelled over the past season, and the inclusion of these four African stars reaffirms the continent’s rightful place on football’s grandest stage.
For Malawi, Temwa Chaŵinga’s nomination marks a historic milestone — a moment that will inspire a new generation of young players, particularly girls, to dream beyond borders and believe in their potential.
As the football world eagerly awaits the final announcement of winners, one thing remains clear — Africa’s presence in the global game is stronger, prouder, and more inspiring than ever.
So heartwarming to see Africa’s football stars shine and be recognized at The Best Awards. Congratulations to all the nominees, your hard work and talent inspire so many of us.