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Have you noticed the Man of the Match trophy at AFCON 2025 yet? Beyond the goals and celebrations, the tournament is quietly serving a design moment of its own.
The striking award handed to the best-performing player after every match was designed by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, bringing bold African creativity straight into the heart of continental football.
Commissioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Man of the Match trophy is being presented throughout AFCON 2025, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to celebrating African excellence not just on the pitch, but in design and storytelling.
Ilori, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, is widely known for his colourful work across architecture, furniture, public installations, and product design. His creative language often blends African heritage with contemporary aesthetics, making his collaboration with CAF feel both intentional and timely.
The trophy itself is rich in symbolism. It is made up of 24 radiant beams, each representing one of the 24 nations competing at AFCON 2025. The beams use a mix of materials to distinguish the countries, while their movement and convergence reflect how football unites diverse nations through shared passion and competition. At the centre of the design sits the Damask rose, the national flower of the host country, Morocco, marking the space where the honour is earned.
Speaking about the piece, Ilori described it as “a unique piece that will reward the best player of each match throughout the competition,” adding that the design celebrates “each country’s unique strengths and contributions to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025.”
In a tournament known for drama, talent, and unforgettable moments, this trophy proves that African football is also making bold statements off the pitch, where culture, design, and identity take centre stage.
