Morocco Hosts CAF Awards as FIFA Introduces Peace Prize at World Cup Draw

Football’s biggest names are gearing up for a November filled with celebration and symbolism as Africa and the wider world prepare to honour excellence on and off the pitch. In Rabat, Morocco, the stage is set for the 2025 CAF Awards on November 19, where the continent’s finest players, coaches and teams will be recognised in what promises to be a night of glamour and pride. It will be the second time in three years that Morocco hosts the prestigious ceremony, underscoring the country’s growing influence in African football.

The event will bring together leading stars, including Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, all of whom are shortlisted for the Men’s Player of the Year award. On the women’s side, top performers from Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco are expected to compete for the coveted prize. This year’s awards will also highlight rising talents and clubs that have excelled in both domestic and continental competitions. For Morocco, hosting the awards is more than a sporting honour; it marks another step in the nation’s bid to position itself as Africa’s sporting capital, coming just months before it hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Beyond Africa, FIFA has made headlines with two significant announcements that add fresh energy to the global football calendar. The world’s governing body unveiled the complete list of nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2025 award, featuring the sport’s top performers from Europe, South America, and Africa. The shortlist reflects a year of intense competition, highlighting players whose impact has transcended leagues and borders. Alongside the nominations, FIFA also introduced a new accolade—the FIFA Peace Prize, Football Unites the World—which will be awarded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the new prize as a way to honour individuals or organisations that use football to promote peace, unity, and hope. The announcement is part of FIFA’s broader effort to reinforce football’s role as a bridge between cultures and nations, especially at a time when global divisions often extend into sport. The award will celebrate those who use the game as a tool for healing and dialogue, complementing FIFA’s existing humanitarian initiatives.

Together, the CAF Awards in Rabat and FIFA’s upcoming ceremonies represent two sides of football’s growing global narrative. On one hand, Africa is asserting its place as a powerhouse of talent and infrastructure, with Morocco at the forefront of that charge. On the other hand, FIFA is expanding football’s moral and cultural reach, turning the sport into a symbol of global unity.

As the football world turns its eyes to Rabat later this month, anticipation builds over who will be crowned Africa’s best. At the same time, fans worldwide await the unfolding of FIFA’s new peace initiative. A season that celebrates not just competition, but the shared values and aspirations that keep the game alive—from the streets of Lagos and Cairo to the grand stages of Washington and Zurich. Football, once again, proves it can inspire excellence and empathy in equal measure.

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