Saudi Arabia Hosts AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 for First Time

Riyadh, October 12, 2025 (SPA) – All eyes across Asia will turn to Riyadh on Thursday, October 16, as the Saudi capital hosts the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM at the King Fahd Cultural Center. The ceremony, held in the Kingdom for the first time, celebrates the achievements of Asia’s male and female football players during the 2024–2025 season, honoring outstanding performers across 20 categories in the 29th edition of the continent’s premier event.

Context and Background

This landmark event underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in global football, a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its international standing. Hosting the AFC Awards aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to position itself as a premier destination for world-class sporting events, building on recent successes such as hosting major football matches and investing in top-tier clubs.

Key Details

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President and FIFA Council Senior Vice President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed his pleasure at holding the ceremony in Riyadh, affirming that hosting the event reflects the Kingdom’s distinguished standing on the Asian football scene. He noted that there is no place where the spirit of football’s global development is better embodied than in the Kingdom, which has in recent years become a pivotal hub for the sport internationally, thanks to the generous support of its leadership for the advancement of sports. The AFC president extended his sincere thanks to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for its extensive support and excellent arrangements.

All awards and trophies, including the continent’s highest honor, the AFC Diamond of Asia, have been redesigned and will be presented to their recipients this year. Competing for the AFC Player of the Year award are Salem Al-Dawsari, Arif Aiman Hanapi, and Akram Afif. Nominees for the AFC Women’s Player of the Year include Holly McNamara, Wang Shuang, and Hana Takahashi. Winners will also be announced for AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men and Women), AFC International Player of the Year (Men and Women), and refereeing awards.

Implications and Impact

Hosting the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 is a significant diplomatic and sporting achievement for Saudi Arabia, strengthening its leadership role in Asian football and beyond. The event is expected to attract substantial international attention, boosting tourism and showcasing the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure and cultural openness. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing sports as part of its social transformation, encouraging youth participation and healthy lifestyles.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This ceremony exemplifies Vision 2030’s goals of building a vibrant society and a thriving economy through sports. By hosting continental awards and investing in football, Saudi Arabia is not only elevating its global sporting profile but also creating new opportunities for its citizens and residents. As the Kingdom continues to welcome the world’s sporting community, it is forging a lasting legacy that aligns with its long-term vision of becoming a leading hub for sport, culture, and innovation in the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025?

A1. The AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 is an annual ceremony organized by the Asian Football Confederation to honor the continent’s best football players and performers for the 2024-2025 season. This year, it is presented by NEOM and held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Q2. When and where will the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 take place?

A2. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event marks the first time the Kingdom hosts this prestigious continental awards ceremony.

Q3. Who is Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa?

A3. Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and a Senior Vice President of FIFA Council. He expressed his pleasure at holding the ceremony in Riyadh, praising Saudi Arabia’s support for football.

Q4. How many categories are there in the AFC Awards 2025?

A4. The AFC Awards 2025 will honor outstanding performers across 20 categories, including Player of the Year, Youth Player of the Year, International Player of the Year, and refereeing awards. All trophies, including the AFC Diamond of Asia, have been redesigned.

Q5. Who are the nominees for the AFC Player of the Year (Men)?

A5. The nominees for the AFC Player of the Year (Men) are Salem Al-Dawsari from Saudi Arabia, Arif Aiman Hanapi from Malaysia, and Akram Afif from Qatar. These players have excelled in the 2024-2025 season.

Q6. Who are the nominees for the AFC Women’s Player of the Year?

A6. The nominees for the AFC Women’s Player of the Year are Holly McNamara from Australia, Wang Shuang from China, and Hana Takahashi from Japan. They are recognized for their outstanding contributions to women’s football.

Q7. What is the AFC Diamond of Asia?

A7. The AFC Diamond of Asia is the highest honor awarded by the Asian Football Confederation to recognize extraordinary contributions to Asian football. This year, the trophy has been redesigned and will be presented at the ceremony in Riyadh.

Q8. Why is hosting the AFC Awards significant for Saudi Arabia?

A8. Hosting the AFC Awards underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in Asian football and aligns with Vision 2030 to boost sports and tourism. It showcases the Kingdom’s modern venues and commitment to international sporting events.

Q9. What role does NEOM play in the AFC Awards?

A9. NEOM, the futuristic smart city project in Saudi Arabia, is the official presenter of the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025. This partnership highlights NEOM’s commitment to sports and innovation, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals.

Q10. How does the AFC Awards ceremony support Vision 2030?

A10. The ceremony supports Vision 2030 by enhancing Saudi Arabia’s international reputation, attracting global attention, and fostering a vibrant society through sports. It helps diversify the economy and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Q11. What is the role of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation?

A11. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation provided extensive support and excellent arrangements for the AFC Awards. The AFC president thanked the federation for its efforts in ensuring the ceremony’s success and high-quality presentation.

Q12. How many times has the AFC Awards been held?

A12. The AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 marks the 29th edition of the continental premier event. It is held annually to celebrate football achievements across Asia.

Q13. What is the significance of the redesigned trophies?

A13. The redesigned trophies, including the AFC Diamond of Asia, symbolize a new identity for Asian football reflecting progress and modernization. The redesign aligns with the AFC’s strategic reforms and developmental vision.

Q14. What categories are included in the AFC Awards?

A14. Categories include Player of the Year (Men and Women), Youth Player of the Year (Men and Women), International Player of the Year (Men and Women), and refereeing awards. Additionally, various other achievement trophies are presented.

Q15. How does hosting the AFC Awards benefit Riyadh?

A15. Hosting the AFC Awards brings international visitors and media attention to Riyadh, boosting tourism and showcasing the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings. It also highlights Riyadh’s capability to host major global events.

Q16. What did Shaikh Salman say about Saudi Arabia?

A16. Shaikh Salman said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a pivotal hub for football internationally, thanks to the generous support of its leadership. He praised the country’s embodiment of the spirit of football’s global development.

Q17. Who is Salem Al-Dawsari?

A17. Salem Al-Dawsari is a Saudi professional footballer known for his exceptional skills and achievements. He is nominated for the AFC Player of the Year award, representing Saudi Arabia’s strong presence in Asian football.

Q18. What is the AFC’s strategic reform?

A18. The AFC has implemented comprehensive strategic reforms to strengthen its identity and competitions. These reforms aim to enhance the quality and appeal of Asian football, with the awards ceremony reflecting this new developmental vision.

Q19. How does the ceremony contribute to Asian football development?

A19. The ceremony recognizes and rewards excellence, motivating players and associations to strive for higher standards. It promotes innovation and professionalism across the region, contributing to the overall growth of Asian football.

Q20. What does the future hold for sports in Saudi Arabia?

A20. With events like the AFC Awards, Saudi Arabia is set to host more international sporting events, supporting Vision 2030. The Kingdom aims to become a global sports hub, attracting investments and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

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