AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 concluded in grand fashion at the King Fahad Cultural Center, celebrating the achievements of Asia’s best players, coaches, referees, and football associations in a night that embodied the spirit, growth, and global impact of Asian football.
The glittering gala — marking the 29th edition of the prestigious awards — brought together football’s most influential figures, from icons of the past to the heroes shaping the continent’s future. Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al Dawsari and Japan’s Hana Takahashi claimed the top individual honours as AFC Player of the Year and AFC Women’s Player of the Year, respectively, while numerous associations and individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Below is the full Roll of Honour, listed in the order of presentation:
AFC Diamond of Asia
Timothy Fok Tsun Ting
Recognised for his lifelong dedication and exceptional contribution to the growth and governance of Asian football.
AFC President’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement
DPR Korea Football Association
Honoured for their remarkable success in both men’s and women’s football development, particularly in youth categories.
AFC Member Association of the Year
Platinum: Saudi Arabian Football Federation
Diamond: The Football Association of Thailand
Gold: The Football Association of Hong Kong, China Limited
Ruby: Lao Football Federation
These awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of AFC Member Associations in strengthening football administration, grassroots development, and community engagement.
AFC Regional Association of the Year
ASEAN Football Federation
Acknowledged for its leadership in expanding football participation, competitions, and development programmes across Southeast Asia.
AFC President’s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football
Gold: United Arab Emirates Football Association
Silver: Football Association of Malaysia
Bronze: Bangladesh Football Federation
The Football Association of Malaysia was lauded for its Liga Suparimau initiative, a nationwide grassroots platform and winner of the 2024 AFC Best Grassroots Competition, alongside its community-driven programmes with Nestlé-Milo and the Football for All Leadership Programme.
AFC Coach of the Year (Women)
Marziyeh Jafari (Bam Khatoon Women’s FC and Iran National Team)
Celebrated for guiding Bam Khatoon FC to domestic dominance and continental excellence, showcasing the continued rise of Iranian women’s football.
AFC Coach of the Year (Men)
Ri Song Ho (DPR Korea U20 Women and DPR Korea National Team)
Honoured for his success in youth football, leading DPR Korea’s U20 women to continental prominence through technical mastery and tactical innovation.
AFC Futsal Player of the Year
Salar Aghapour (Gohar Zamin and IRN)
Acknowledged for his explosive performances and leadership, helping Iran remain among the elite in Asian futsal.
AFC Women’s Player of the Year
Hana Takahashi (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies and JPN)
Recognised for her consistency and leadership, propelling both club and country to major international achievements in 2024.
AFC Player of the Year
Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal SFC and KSA)
Claiming his second career title after 2022, Al Dawsari was honoured for an exceptional season where he led Al Hilal to the AFC Champions League Elite™ semi-finals and became the all-time assist leader in the Saudi Pro League.
“This achievement is not the end of the road but the beginning of greater ambitions,” said Al Dawsari. “I will continue to raise my national flag high on the world stage.”
Additional Awards (Announced in Riyadh; To Be Presented Later)
AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Women)
Maika Hamano (Chelsea FC and JPN)
AFC Asian International Player of the Year (Men)
Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain and KOR)
AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women)
Choe Il Son (4.25 SC and PRK)
AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men)
Alex Badolato (Melbourne Victory and AUS)
AFC Referees Special Award
Alireza Faghani (AUS)
Anton Shchetinin (AUS)
Ashley Beecham (AUS)
The trio received recognition for their excellence in officiating at the highest levels of global football, continuing Australia’s strong legacy of elite refereeing.
Credit Photo : AFC
