Senegal captain Sadio Mané has been crowned the Best Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after inspiring the Teranga Lions to a dramatic triumph on Moroccan soil.
Naija News reports that Sadio Mané was handed the Golden Ball award after Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time following a tense final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The victory sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title.
The 33-year-old forward, who now plies his trade with Al Nassr, delivered two goals and three assists across seven matches, blending leadership with decisive moments when it mattered most. After the final whistle, he received the award from CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
In scenes that summed up his influence, Mané was also credited with urging his teammates back onto the pitch during the heated finale, helping restore calm and focus before Pape Gueye struck the extra-time winner that finally broke Moroccan resistance.
The former Liverpool star has hinted that this tournament could be his last AFCON, making the recognition feel like a fitting tribute to a glittering international career.
Morocco, despite falling at the final hurdle, dominated several individual categories. Brahim Díaz finished as the tournament’s top scorer, claiming the Golden Boot with five goals.
The Real Madrid winger found the net in four consecutive matches and was a constant menace throughout the competition, even though he missed a crucial penalty in the final. His tally edged out the likes of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, who both ended the tournament on four goals.
Between the posts, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, also known as Bono, was named Best Goalkeeper of AFCON 2025. He kept five clean sheets in seven matches.
Bono conceded just two goals all tournament, producing a series of decisive saves, including a commanding display during Morocco’s semi-final penalty shootout win over Nigeria.
