Qatar’s talented forward, Akram Afif, recently received the prestigious AFC Player of the Year award at the AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023, recognizing his outstanding 2023/24 season. This achievement marks his second win of the award, making him the first Qatari player to achieve this feat twice. Afif, who plays for Al Sadd SC, joins the ranks of only two other players in history to win the award more than once.
Having previously won the AFC Player of the Year award in 2019, Afif’s impressive performances on the field have consistently set him apart from his competitors. His contributions to Qatar’s success in the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, where he helped his team secure their first-ever title, solidified his reputation as a key player in Asian football. Most notably, Afif’s remarkable performance in the tournament’s final, where he scored a hat-trick, further showcased his exceptional talent.
At the club level, Afif continued his winning streak with Al Sadd SC, securing the Best Player of the Qatar Stars League award for the fourth time. His remarkable season with the club saw him lead them to a record 17th title, scoring 26 goals and providing 11 assists in just 22 games. Additionally, Afif helped Al Sadd secure the Amir Cup, completing a domestic double and further establishing himself as a rising star in the football world.
In addition to his individual accolades, Afif’s contributions on the international stage have been equally impressive. His performance in the AFC Asian Qualifiers played a pivotal role in Qatar’s advancement to the third round and kept them on track for a second appearance in the FIFA World Cup. Afif’s versatility as an attacker, coupled with his ability to score crucial goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates, has made him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
As the third player from Al Sadd SC to win the AFC Player of the Year award, Afif’s success reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing top talent in Qatar. With previous Qatari winners Khalfan Ibrahim and Abdelkarim Hassan also hailing from Al Sadd SC, the club’s reputation for developing exceptional players continues to grow. Afif’s journey from the Aspire Academy to playing in top leagues such as La Liga in Spain highlights the progress that Qatari football has made in recent years.
In conclusion, Akram Afif’s remarkable achievements on both the international and club fronts have established him as one of the brightest talents in Asian football. His consistent performance at the highest level, coupled with his ability to deliver in key moments, has earned him recognition as a true star of the game. With his sights set on further success in future competitions, Afif’s dedication and passion for the sport continue to inspire aspiring footballers in Qatar and beyond.
