AFCON 2025: Mane beats Lookman and Diaz to main award

Sadio Mané has been rewarded for his triumphant AFCON 2025 campaign and exemplary professionalism, as he was named the tournament's MVP, beating Brahim Diaz and Ademola Lookman.

The Al Nassr star had five goal contributions in the competition, fewer than Ademola Lookman (7) and Brahim Diaz (6), two of the other main contenders for the award. However, Mane's match-winner against Egypt and triumph in the final sealed the award in his favour.

Mane has been the standout player of the competition in the final and penultimate rounds. He scored the 78th-minute winner in the semi-final against Egypt to send his side into the final. He registered the pre-assist in his team's controversial extra-time 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco to clinch their second AFCON title.

His influence stretched beyond direct goal returns, as he has been the main dangerman for Paper Thiaw’s side and has been their primary playmaker.  

However, the defining moment for Mane was persuading his teammates to return to the pitch after they had staged a walk-off in protest over a perceived injustice. 

By contrast, Brahim Díaz, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, was Morocco’s talisman and led the Golden Boot race, scoring in five separate matches and consistently threatening the opposition defence, but his influence waned at crucial moments, most notably missing a late penalty in the final that might have turned the title in Morocco’s favour. He was also anonymous in the semi-final against Nigeria. 

Ademola Lookman, meanwhile, was the tournament’s leader in goal contributions, with three goals and four assists. However,  his impact dipped in the latter knockout stages as Nigeria exited before the final.