Qatar's Akram Afif Nears Historic Third AFC Player of Year Award

Qatar forward Akram Afif is vying to become the first-ever three-time Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Player of the Year, having previously won the award in 2019 and 2023. The 2025 AFC awards ceremony, scheduled for October 16 in Riyadh, will see Afif competing against Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari, a 2022 winner, and Malaysia's Arif Aiman, the first Malaysian ever nominated, reflecting the rising prominence of Malaysian football. Afif's successful season includes leading Al Sadd to their 18th Qatar Stars League title and playing a key role in Qatar's qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The women's category features nominees from Australia, China, and Japan, highlighting the growing diversity in Asian women's football. Additionally, the AFC International Player of the Year shortlist includes Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in (South Korea), Mehdi Taremi (Iran), and Takefusa Kubo (Japan). The nominations underscore the increasing competitiveness and regional development in Asian football across genders and categories.