[WATCH] Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi: Two-time African POTY picks 'magical' player to win 2025 award

Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf has given his opinion on the next African Footballer of the Year. 

Diouf, 44, won the award in consecutive years, securing the prize in 2001 and 2002, which served as a reward for the forward during the Lions of Teranga’s golden years in the early 2000s. 

The former Liverpool man has made his choice for the award won last year by Ademola Lookman, whose stunning performance in the 2023-24 Europa League final helped Atalanta to a major trophy. 

The Nigerian was also pivotal to the Super Eagles’ run to the Africa Cup of Nations final, though they could not get past host nation Ivory Coast in the decider. 

Among the glut of options, including Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Achraf Hakimi, Diouf has selected his favourite for the prize. 

Salah was instrumental to Liverpool's Premier League-winning season, scoring 29 times en route to notching a fourth Golden Boot. 

Osimhen, persona non grata in Naples, was pivotal in Galatasaray securing the double by winning the Super Lig and Turkish Cup, scoring 37 goals in all competitions (26 in the league).

As for Hakimi, the Morocco international and goalscorer in the Champions League final was a key component of the Paris Saint-Germain side to claim a historic European Cup.

Thus, it was no surprise that PSG wide defender was Diouf’s pick for the individual prize. 

“This year definitely is Hakimi," Diouf told ESPN. "I love Salah, but the best player in Africa this season...he won everything, he was magical and was one of the best players for PSG as the captain and second captain.

“I think Hakimi deserves it.” 

While Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, Salah and Hakimi are expected to remain at Liverpool and PSG, respectively.