The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a redesigned Man-of-the-Match trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. The stated objective is to align the award with themes of unity, diversity, and the evolving identity of African football. The new trophy will be presented at each match during the tournament, representing a change in the recognition of individual performance at AFCON.

The trophy’s design incorporates 24 beams, each corresponding to one of the 24 participating nations. These beams converge at the center, which, according to CAF, is intended to symbolize both the distinctiveness of each country and the collective unity of the continent. The materials used in the trophy are varied, reflecting the diversity of African cultures and traditions. The central feature is a Damask rose, referencing the host nation, Morocco, and providing a geographic and cultural anchor for the 2025 tournament.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has previously articulated a strategy of leveraging football for continental unity and development. The new trophy is positioned as a physical representation of this approach, aiming to connect individual achievement with broader continental objectives.

The trophy was first awarded at the opening match of AFCON 2025. Initial feedback from players and supporters has been positive, with the symbolism of the trophy noted as a progressive step in the recognition of football talent in Africa.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman was among the first recipients, following his performance in Nigeria’s 3–2 win over Tunisia. Lookman publicly acknowledged the broader significance of the trophy, emphasizing its representation of unity and excellence in African football. Other recipients to date include Morocco’s Brahim Díaz and Nigeria’s Semi Ajayi, indicating the trophy’s ongoing role in highlighting individual match performance across the tournament.

The redesign of the Man-of-the-Match trophy, executed in partnership with TotalEnergies, is consistent with CAF’s stated goal of enhancing the global profile of African football. The integration of cultural and symbolic elements is intended to reinforce the connection between individual achievement and continental identity.

 The implementation of this trophy is expected to continue throughout the tournament, serving both as an individual accolade and as a representation of CAF’s strategic objectives for African football.