Qatar’s Akram Afif is on the cusp of making history as the first player from his nation to win the AFC Player of the Year award twice. The talented forward, who won the accolade in 2019, is nominated for the prestigious honor again after a remarkable season in 2023/24. Afif’s outstanding performance in the AFC Asian Cup, where he was named the Most Valuable Player and the Yili Top Scorer, has put him in a strong position to clinch the award at the AFC Annual Awards in Seoul on October 29.
In addition to his success in the AFC Asian Cup, Afif was instrumental in helping Al Sadd SC secure their 17th league title in the Qatar Stars League, where he was also named the Best Player. If he wins the AFC Player of the Year award again, Afif will join an elite group of players who have achieved this feat more than once. This includes Japan’s Hidetoshi Nakata and Uzbekistan’s Server Djeparov, a milestone that would hold significant meaning for the Qatari international. Afif expressed his gratitude for being nominated again, emphasizing the importance of potentially making history for Qatar.
Despite his impressive credentials, Afif faces tough competition from fellow nominees Yazan Al Naimat and Seol Young-woo. Seol, the first South Korean nominee in several years, acknowledged the privilege of being recognized for the award and expressed his commitment to further contribute to Korean football’s development. The nominees all highlighted the support they have received from their families, teammates, and fans, underscoring the role of their support system in driving their success on the field.
Looking ahead, Afif remains focused on pushing himself to new heights in his career. As a two-time Asian champion and a multiple league winner, he is determined to continue delivering top performances and winning trophies with both his club and national team. His ambitious goal is to not only win the AFC Player of the Year award for a third time but to set his sights on further successes in the future. Afif’s dedication to his craft and his unwavering pursuit of excellence make him a standout candidate for the prestigious accolade once again.
