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German Qatari Star of Yemeni Descent, Akram Afif, Wins 2024–2025 QFA Player of the Year Award
Qatari football sensation Akram Afif, who is of Yemeni descent, has been crowned the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Player of the Year for the 2024–2025 season, capping off an extraordinary year of performances at both the domestic and international levels.
Afif, 28, has long been regarded as one of the brightest stars in Asian football, and this latest accolade further solidifies his place among the continent’s elite. Representing Al Sadd SC in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), Afif delivered a season to remember—leading his club with 26 league goals and 14 assists, guiding them to another league title and thrilling fans with his flair, creativity, and clinical finishing.
Born in Doha to a Yemeni father and a Qatari mother, Akram Afif’s rise to the top of Qatari football has been nothing short of inspirational. A product of the renowned Aspire Academy, Afif’s early exposure to European football, including stints with Villarreal CF and KAS Eupen, shaped his technical and tactical abilities. Since his return to Al Sadd, he has consistently been a standout performer in the QSL.
Speaking after receiving the award, Afif said, “It’s an honor to be named QFA Player of the Year. This award is not just mine—it belongs to my teammates, coaches, and fans who support me every day. I’m proud to represent Qatar and my Yemeni heritage on the pitch.”
Afif’s 2024–25 season also included stellar performances for the Qatar national team, where he played a key role in World Cup qualifiers and continued to be a vital figure following Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup victory in early 2024. In the final of that tournament, Afif made headlines by scoring a hat-trick of penalties against Jordan and earning the Player of the Match award.
His Player of the Year award from the QFA follows a string of major honors. Earlier this year, Afif was also named Best Footballer in Asia for 2024, becoming the first West Asian to win that prestigious award since its inception. His consistent brilliance has helped raise the profile of Qatari football on the global stage, especially as the country builds momentum toward future World Cup campaigns.
Football analysts and fans alike have praised Afif’s intelligence on the ball, quick decision-making, and unmatched vision. His versatility allows him to operate effectively as a winger, playmaker, or even a second striker, making him a nightmare for defenders and a treasure for any coach.
QFA President Jassim Rashid Al Buenain praised Afif during the awards ceremony, stating, “Akram Afif embodies the spirit of Qatari football—passion, resilience, and excellence. His achievements are a source of national pride, and he continues to inspire the next generation of players.”
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will remain on Akram Afif. With his prime years still ahead, the expectations are high that he will continue to lead Qatar both domestically and internationally, as the nation targets continued dominance in Asia and success on the world stage.
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