Senegal captain Sadio Mané has been named the Best Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after leading the Teranga Lions to a hard-fought title victory on home soil of the hosts, Morocco.
Mané claimed the Golden Ball following Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win over Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a result that secured Senegal’s second AFCON crown. The 33-year-old forward registered two goals and three assists in seven appearances and was presented the award by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
The Al Nassr star also drew praise for his leadership in the tense final, notably persuading his teammates to return to the pitch amid disruptions before Pape Gueye scored the decisive extra-time goal.
While Senegal lifted the trophy, Morocco dominated several individual awards. Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer, winning the Golden Boot with five goals, ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, who both scored four.
Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Bono) was named Best Goalkeeper of AFCON 2025 after keeping five clean sheets in seven matches and conceding only two goals, highlighted by his standout performance in the semi-final penalty shootout victory over Nigeria.
Mané has since hinted that the tournament may mark his final AFCON appearance, making the accolade a memorable milestone in his international career.