Akram Afif, Kiko Seike Win AFC Awards

Qatar's Akram Afif has won the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year for the second time, following his pivotal role in Qatar's successful defense of the AFC Asian Cup title at home in 2023. Afif, who previously won the award in 2019, made history by scoring a hat-trick in the final and netting eight goals in total during the tournament. He expressed gratitude during the award ceremony in Seoul, stating he aims to win the accolade again. Japan's Kiko Seike received the women's Player of the Year award, succeeding Australia's Sam Kerr, after her impressive contributions to Urawa Red Diamonds and her recent signing with Brighton & Hove Albion. Both players were recognized for their efforts to enhance the visibility and value of Asian football internationally.