The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended on a dramatic note, with Senegal emerging as champions and top individual performers rewarded for their standout displays at the tournament. The competition delivered high drama, controversy, record-breaking moments and memorable performances that captivated football fans across the continent.
As celebrations begin and debates linger, the final outcome and individual honours have highlighted the players and teams that defined AFCON 2025, with Senegal lifting the trophy and Morocco dominating several award categories.
Champions Senegal Triumph in Controversial Final
Senegal claimed their second AFCON title after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time in a final overshadowed by controversy and tense moments. The decisive goal came from Pape Gueye, whose powerful strike settled the encounter, while Morocco were left disappointed after missing a crucial penalty despite an impressive tournament run.
Major Individual Awards
- Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball): Sadio Mané — Senegal
Senegal captain Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament after delivering influential performances throughout AFCON 2025. His leadership, consistency and decisive contributions were central to Senegal’s title-winning campaign. - Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou — Morocco
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, widely known as Bono, won the Best Goalkeeper award following a series of commanding displays that helped propel his team to the final. - Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Brahim Díaz — Morocco
Despite Morocco’s narrow defeat in the final, Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. The forward also made history as the first player to score in five consecutive matches at a single AFCON tournament. - Fair Play Award: Morocco
Morocco were also recognised with the Fair Play Award for their discipline, sportsmanship and respect for the rules throughout the competition.