AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM to showcase Asia’s finest
The most prestigious night on the annual Asian Football Confederation (AFC) calendar will take centrestage on Thursday (October 16) in the vibrant capital city of Riyadh.
Staged in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the very first time, the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM will celebrate the cream of the crop in Asia in a star-studded gala that will take place at the iconic King Fahad Cultural Center.
Winners from across a total of 20 categories will be crowned at the 29th edition of the AFC Awards (previously known as the AFC Annual Awards), which will showcase and honour the most outstanding achievements from a successful 2024/25 season, including the revamped AFC Champions League Elite™ and landmark AFC Women’s Champions League™.
The admirable endeavours of the AFC’s Member Associations and Regional Associations will also be brought to the fore, while the AFC President’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement will be introduced.
The Player of the Year presentations will cap off the dazzling night, with the trios of Arif Aiman Hanapi, Akram Afif and Salem Al Dawsari, and Holly McNamara, Wang Shuang and Hana Takahashi, in contention for the highly coveted accolade.
The AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, said: “So much of the focus over the last 12 months has been centred around the strategic reforms to the AFC’s brand and competitions, so it is only fitting that we adopt a similar approach with a refreshed identity for the most celebrated night in Asian football.
“I am also delighted to note that all our trophies and awards, including the Continent’s highest honour – the AFC Diamond of Asia – have been redesigned and will be presented to our worthy recipients in another decisive move that reflects the ever-growing prestige and stature associated with the beautiful game on our great Continent.
“And nowhere is the drive to accelerate the development of the global game more palpable than in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has transformed into the focal point of world football in recent years. I want to convey our utmost appreciation to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Kingdom’s leadership, for their warm hospitality and outstanding hosting capabilities.
“As we look forward to celebrating the men and women whose contributions have left a profound impact on tomorrow’s generation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those shortlisted. My gratitude also goes to our Member Associations and Regional Associations for continuing to inspire us through their dedication to strive for excellence year after year, and the commitment to deliver on the shared outcomes underlined in the AFC’s Vision and Mission.”
The following award categories will be announced at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 and presented at another special event:
- AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women)
- AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men)
- AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Women)
- AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Men)
- AFC Referees Special Awards
The full list of nominees for the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM can be viewed here and the ceremony, which is set to commence at 8pm (GMT+3), can be followed on the AFC’s YouTube and other digital platforms.
