AFCON 2025: Individual Awards Announced After Senegal’s Dramatic Triumph

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AFCON 2025: Individual Awards Announced After Senegal’s Dramatic Triumph

The Africa Cup of Nations 2026 concluded with Senegal lifting their second continental title, and shortly after the final whistle, CAF revealed the official list of AFCON 2026 individual award winners.

From Brahim Diaz’s Golden Boot to Sadio Mané’s Player of the Tournament honour, the awards highlighted the standout stars who shaped one of the most dramatic AFCONs in recent memory.

Brahim Diaz Wins Golden Boot Despite Final Heartbreak

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz claimed the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. Despite becoming the unfortunate villain of the final, missing a 113th‑minute panenka penalty that could have handed Morocco the title, his attacking influence throughout the earlier rounds remained unmatched.

Diaz had been one of Morocco’s most consistent performers, delivering decisive goals that pushed the Atlas Lions into the final on home soil. Yet, in the most crucial moment of the tournament, his chipped effort from the spot was read perfectly by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, shifting the momentum of the final.

Yassine Bounou Named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Morocco still picked up a major honour through Yassine Bounou, who won the Golden Glove after keeping five clean sheets in seven matches. The Sevilla shot-stopper was a commanding presence in Morocco’s run to the final, producing key saves in tight games and showcasing his trademark calm under pressure.

Bounou’s performances helped Morocco concede just twice in regular time throughout the tournament, reinforcing his status as one of the continent’s premier goalkeepers.

Sadio Mané Wins Player of the Tournament for Impact On and Off the Pitch

Senegal captain Sadio Mané was awarded the Player of the Tournament, not only for his contributions on the field but also for his leadership during the most turbulent moments of the final.

Mané scored twice and provided two assists during the tournament, but his defining moment came in the final when controversy threatened to overshadow the match. After Senegal conceded a contentious 95th‑minute penalty, large portions of the squad walked off in protest, pushing the final toward complete chaos.

Mané stepped in as the calming force, calling his teammates back to the pitch and helping restore order. Moments later, Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s penalty, and Senegal went on to win in extra time through Pape Gueye’s strike. CAF recognised Mané not only for his technical excellence but for embodying the leadership that ultimately guided Senegal to glory.

Morocco Claim Fair Play Award

Despite the disappointment of losing the final on home soil, hosts Morocco were honoured with the Fair Play Award, acknowledging the team’s overall discipline, organisation, and conduct throughout the tournament.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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