Saudi Arabia To Host AFC Awards Ceremony In Riyadh For First Time In 2025

The AFC Awards Riyadh 2025, presented by NEOM, will take place in Riyadh on Thursday, October 16. This event at the King Fahd Cultural Center will gather top sports figures and football stars from Asia. It is the first time the Kingdom hosts this ceremony, celebrating the achievements of male and female football players during the 2024–2025 season.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President and FIFA Council Senior Vice President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed his delight at hosting the ceremony in Riyadh. He highlighted that this reflects Saudi Arabia's prominent role in Asian football. The Kingdom has become a key hub for international sports due to its leadership's support.

The 29th edition of this prestigious event will honour outstanding performers across 20 categories. Among these are the AFC Player of the Year award nominees: Salem Al-Dawsari, Arif Aiman Hanapi, and Akram Afif. For the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award, Holly McNamara, Wang Shuang, and Hana Takahashi are nominated.

Additional awards include AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men), AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women), AFC International Player of the Year (Men), AFC International Player of the Year (Women), and refereeing awards. All trophies have been redesigned for this year's ceremony.

Shaikh Salman praised Saudi Arabia's extensive support and excellent arrangements for ensuring a successful event. He noted that recent strategic reforms have strengthened the AFC's identity and competitions. This year’s awards align with a developmental vision through a new identity reflecting progress in Asian football.

The AFC President extended gratitude to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for their efforts in making this event possible. He emphasised that these efforts showcase Asian football's reputation and stature on a global stage.

Shaikh Salman congratulated all nominees for their dedication to excellence in advancing Asian football. He acknowledged national and regional associations' commitment to innovation within the sport.

This significant event underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence in international sports, highlighting its leadership's pivotal role in fostering development within football across Asia.

With inputs from SPA