The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the tournament winner set to earn US$10 million.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe disclosed the new prize structure during a media briefing in Rabat on Saturday, ahead of the opening of the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The revised payout represents a sharp increase from the previous edition, when hosts Côte d’Ivoire lifted the trophy and received US$7 million, while runners-up Nigeria took home US$4 million.
CAF has not yet released the full breakdown of prizes for other finishing positions, but the increase underscores the governing body’s push to enhance the commercial value and global appeal of African football.
The 2025 AFCON finals kick off on Sunday in Morocco. Tournament hosts Morocco will face Comoros in the opening match, as the race begins for the continent’s top football prize.
AFCON history
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international football tournament and the flagship competition of the Confederation of African Football. First held in 1957 with just three participating teams, the tournament has grown into one of the most watched and commercially significant sporting events on the continent.
AFCON is typically held every two years and brings together the best national teams from across Africa following a rigorous qualification process. The competition has expanded steadily over the decades—from eight teams in the 1960s, to 16 teams in 1996, and most recently to 24 teams, reflecting the growth and competitiveness of African football.
Historically, AFCON has served not only as a sporting contest but also as a platform for national pride, political symbolism and continental unity. Matches routinely attract millions of viewers across Africa and among the African diaspora, with broadcast reach extending to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
In terms of success, Egypt remains the most decorated nation in AFCON history, having won the tournament seven times. Other dominant forces include Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria, while recent editions have highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the tournament, with teams such as Algeria, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire lifting the trophy in the past decade.
The tournament has also been a major showcase for African talent. Many players who have gone on to become global stars—including Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané—used AFCON as a stage to cement their international reputations. European clubs closely follow the competition as a scouting ground for emerging talent.
From an economic and commercial standpoint, AFCON has grown substantially under the leadership of CAF president Patrice Motsepe. CAF has increased prize money, improved broadcasting deals and sought stronger sponsorships to align the tournament more closely with global football standards. The rise in prize money for AFCON 2025 reflects this strategy to boost competitiveness and financial rewards for participating nations.
Hosting AFCON is often seen as a catalyst for infrastructure development, particularly in stadium construction, transport networks and tourism facilities. However, it has also drawn criticism over costs and post-tournament utilisation of infrastructure in some host countries.
The 2025 edition in Morocco underscores the country’s growing role as a football hub in Africa. Morocco has invested heavily in football infrastructure and development and has positioned itself as a regular host of major continental and international competitions.
Beyond football, AFCON plays a broader cultural role, uniting diverse nations through sport and providing a shared continental experience. Despite logistical and scheduling challenges over the years, the tournament remains a cornerstone of African sport and a symbol of the continent’s footballing ambition.
