The newly unveiled Man-of-the-Match trophy at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 represents Africa’s unity, diversity and evolving football identity, CAF has said, redefining how individual brilliance is recognised at the tournament.
Introduced from the opening match on December 21, the redesigned trophy marks a shift by CAF and TotalEnergies towards aligning individual awards with Africa’s shared values, culture and growing presence on the global football stage.
The trophy features 24 radiant beams, each symbolising one of the 24 participating nations, celebrating their unique identities while emphasising the collective strength and unity that define African football.
Its combination of materials reflects diversity, while the converging beams illustrate football’s ability to unite cultures, nations and people through a shared passion across the continent.
At the centre is the Damask rose, an emblem of host nation Morocco, serving as a reminder of place, heritage and the historic moments being created at AFCON 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman claimed the Man-of-the-Match award following a calm and influential performance in the Super Eagles’ 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday.
Describing the trophy as “a symbol of Africa’s story and the hard work behind every performance,” Lookman said the honour went beyond individual achievement.
“Winning this feels special because it represents more than one player. It reflects what African football stands for — unity, pride and excellence on the global stage,” he said.
The Super Eagles winger added that the award inspires players to give their best, noting that it “pushes you to give everything, knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself.”
NAN also reports that Morocco’s Brahim Díaz and Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi have received the trophy, highlighting its role in recognising outstanding performances throughout AFCON 2025.
