The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with Senegal emerging champions and top individual performers rewarded for their outstanding displays across the tournament.
AFCON 2025 delivered everything fans expected — controversy, late drama, record-breaking moments and standout individual brilliance, as Africa’s best battled for continental glory.
Senegal clinch second AFCON title
Senegal lifted their second AFCON trophy after edging host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a tense and controversial final.
The decider was settled by a spectacular strike from Pape Gueye, as Morocco were left devastated after missing a crucial penalty in a fiercely contested encounter.
Major individual awards
Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball):
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Mané was Senegal’s driving force throughout the competition, combining leadership, experience and decisive moments to earn the tournament’s top individual honour.
Best Goalkeeper:
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Popularly known as Bono, the Moroccan goalkeeper impressed with a series of crucial saves, playing a key role in his team’s run to the final.
Golden Boot (Top Scorer):
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Despite Morocco’s heartbreak in the final, Díaz finished as the tournament’s highest scorer with five goals, becoming the first player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches.
Fair Play Award:
Morocco
The hosts were recognised for their discipline, sportsmanship and respect for fair play throughout the competition.
