Singapore — The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially announced the winners of the AFC Awards 2025, recognizing the continent’s finest players, coaches, and federations.
Key Winners
- AFC Player of the Year (Men): Salem Al Dawsari (Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal SFC) — top scorer in the Asian Champions League and standout at the FIFA Club World Cup.
- AFC Player of the Year (Women): Hana Takahashi (Japan, Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies) — defender with 12 goals across competitions, leading her club to domestic titles.
- AFC International Player of the Year (Men): Lee Kang In (South Korea, PSG) — Champions League winner with PSG and key to Korea’s World Cup qualification.
- AFC International Player of the Year (Women): Maika Hamano (Japan, Chelsea FC) — treble winner in England and SheBelieves Cup champion.
- AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men): Alex Badolato (Australia, Melbourne Victory) — MVP of the AFC U‑20 Asian Cup 2025.
- AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women): Choe Il Son (North Korea) — led Korea to U‑17 and U‑20 Women’s World Cup titles.
- AFC Futsal Player of the Year: Salar Aghapour (Iran) — standout at the 2024 Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan.
- AFC Coach of the Year (Men): Ri Song Ho (North Korea) — guided the U‑20 Women’s team to Asian and World Cup victories.
- AFC Coach of the Year (Women): Marziyeh Jafari (Iran) — first Iranian woman to win, after leading Bam Khatoon and the national team to continental success.
Institutional Honors
- Best Federation: Korea Football Association, recognized for its women’s teams’ double triumph at the U‑17 and U‑20 World Cups.
- Diamond Award: Timothy Fok, President of the Hong Kong Football Association, for lifetime contributions to Asian football.
The 2025 edition of the AFC Awards reflects Asia’s growing influence on the global stage, with players excelling both domestically and internationally. From Salem Al Dawsari’s dominance in Asia to Lee Kang In’s European triumphs, the awards highlight the continent’s rising football power.
