The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a landmark announcement that is set to electrify the continent's football scene. The winner of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco will receive a historic $10 million in prize money.
Record-Breaking Financial Incentive Unveiled
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the new financial rewards after a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee in Rabat, Morocco. The decision significantly boosts the stakes for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
This new winner's purse represents a substantial 43 per cent increase from the last edition. In 2023, the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, earned $7 million for clinching the title. The growth trajectory over recent years highlights CAF's commitment to elevating the tournament's prestige.
A Steady Climb in Tournament Value
The prize money for the AFCON champion has seen a remarkable doubling in just four years. To put this into perspective:
- The 2021 AFCON winners in Cameroon received $5 million.
- The prize rose to $7 million for the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
- It has now jumped to $10 million for Morocco 2025.
This progression marks a 100 per cent increase from the 2021 figure, underscoring a rapid enhancement in the competition's financial appeal.
Complete Prize Breakdown for AFCON 2025
The financial rewards are not limited to the champions. CAF has confirmed a full prize structure that benefits teams reaching the latter stages of the competition.
The team that finishes as runners-up at AFCON 2025 will be awarded $4 million. Furthermore, the two nations that lose in the semi-finals will each receive a consolation prize of $2.5 million.
Boosting African Football's Global Stature
According to the continental football governing body, this significant increase in prize money is a strategic move. It is part of CAF's ongoing efforts to enhance the value, competitiveness, and global appeal of Africa's premier national team football tournament.
By offering more lucrative rewards, CAF aims to motivate higher levels of performance from participating nations and attract greater worldwide attention to the spectacle of African football. This investment is seen as a direct boost to the sport's development and commercial viability across the continent.
