AFC President Presents Salem Al-Dawsari with 2025 Asian Men’s Player of the Year Award

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 17, 2025

Saudi national team star and Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari was crowned the 2025 Asian Men’s Player of the Year during a glittering ceremony at the King Fahd Cultural Centre in Riyadh this evening.

The award was presented by Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President and FIFA Senior Vice President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Dream Asia Foundation, along with senior sports leaders and football dignitaries from across the continent.

The AFC Annual Awards 2025 celebrated excellence in Asian football, with standout achievements recognised across men’s, women’s, and youth categories.

In addition to Al-Dawsari’s win, Japan’s Hana Takahashi received the 2025 Asian Women’s Player of the Year award. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation was honoured with the Best National Federation Award.

“This ceremony reflects Saudi Arabia’s impressive capacity to host world-class sporting events,” said Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, praising the Kingdom’s contribution to Asian football and the exceptional organisation of the awards.

The AFC President also highlighted the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and the AFC, describing it as a model of cooperation that is driving the continued development of football across the region.

Salem Al-Dawsari’s latest honour adds to a career filled with accolades, including key performances in the AFC Champions League, World Cup, and domestic competitions with Al-Hilal.