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Trophy-less Ghizlane Chebbak beats WAFCON 2024 best Rasheedat Ajibade to African Women’s Player of the Year Award
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak has been crowned the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, beating Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade to the prestigious award in a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the continent.
Chebbak, who captains the Moroccan national team, claimed the honour on home soil on the same night Achraf Hakimi clinched the men’s award, completing a major double for the host nation. However, her victory has raised eyebrows as she did not win any major title for either club or country during the year under review.
The experienced midfielder, now with Al Hilal after her celebrated spell at AS FAR, narrowly missed out on continental glory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Morocco came agonisingly close to lifting their first-ever title but were denied in dramatic fashion by Nigeria, who rallied from 2–0 down to win 3–2 and claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown.
In contrast, Ajibade, whom Chebbak edged for the award, enjoyed a stellar year. The PSG forward captained the Super Falcons to their 2024 WAFCON triumph and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player following a series of commanding performances.
Chebbak’s win—despite her lack of silverware—has triggered divided opinions among fans and analysts, many arguing that Ajibade’s achievements made her the more deserving candidate. As reactions continue to pour in, the debate over performance versus influence is expected to dominate discussions around this year’s CAF Awards.
