In a historic move set to elevate the stakes of African football, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has announced a record 43% increase in prize money for the winner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
The champions will now walk away with USD 10 million (Approx. KSh 1.29 Billion), the highest payout in the tournament’s history, signaling the growing financial muscle and global appeal of African football.
The announcement came on Saturday following a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) in Rabat, Morocco, just a day ahead of the tournament’s much-anticipated kick-off. CAF’s decision reflects a bold commitment to rewarding excellence and further professionalizing African football.
This prize money marks a significant leap from the 2023 edition, where hosts Côte d’Ivoire claimed USD 7 million (around KSh 903 million) after lifting the trophy.
Comparatively, the 2021 AFCON champions Cameroon received USD 5 million (about KSh 645 million), meaning the total reward for the 2025 winners represents a 100% increase over a four-year span. Such an upward trajectory not only incentivizes national teams but also underscores CAF’s ambition to match global football standards.
The increase is not limited to the winners alone. The runners-up will pocket USD 4 million (Approx KSh 516 million), while the two semi-finalists are guaranteed USD 2.5 million (Approx KSh 322 million) each, offering financial recognition for outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
This structured increase ensures that more teams benefit, motivating competitive football across the board.
CAF’s announcement comes at a time when African football is increasingly gaining international attention, with players from the continent starring in top European leagues and global tournaments.
Dr Motsepe’s move is seen as a strategic step to retain talent, promote competitive spirit, and enhance the prestige of AFCON as Africa’s premier football showcase.
With Morocco hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988, the stakes are higher than ever. National teams will not only compete for continental glory but also for unprecedented financial rewards, adding an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be one of AFCON’s most thrilling editions.
The record prize money is a clear statement: African football is on the rise, and the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is set to be the most financially rewarding and fiercely contested tournament in its history.
