Akram Afif Nominated for Asian Player of the Year Award

In a significant recognition of talent and achievement in Asian football, Qatar's Akram Afif has been nominated for the prestigious Asian Player of the Year award for the second time. This announcement comes as part of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) shortlist, which also includes Jordan's Yazan Al-Naimat and South Korea's Seol Young-woo. The winners of these esteemed awards will be revealed in Seoul on October 29, 2023.

Akram Afif, who captained Qatar to victory in the Asian Cup earlier this year, is a strong contender for the title. His leadership and skill on the field were instrumental in Qatar's triumph, where they defeated Jordan in the final match. Afif previously won the Asian Player of the Year award in 2019, and many believe he is poised to reclaim the trophy this year.

In addition to the men's player nominations, the women's category features notable players such as Australia's Cortnee Vine, Japan's Kiko Seike, and South Korea's Kim Hye-ri. The competition in both categories highlights the growing talent in Asian football, showcasing players who have made significant contributions to their teams.

Furthermore, the coaching awards also present an exciting lineup. Recently departed Australia coach Graham Arnold has been nominated for the men's coach of the year award. He is joined by Go Oiwa, who led Japan to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games, and Hwang Sun-hong, who guided South Korea to gold at the Asian Games. Arnold's departure from the Socceroos came after a challenging start to the World Cup qualifiers, and he has since been succeeded by Tony Popovic.

On the women's side, Japan's Tomoki Miyamoto, Park Yeon-jeong from South Korea, and Australia's Leah Blayney are in the running for the coaching award. This recognition of coaches is equally important, as it highlights the strategic minds behind the success of these talented players.

As the football community eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, it is clear that the Asian Player of the Year awards not only celebrate individual excellence but also reflect the growth and development of football across the continent. With rising stars and experienced coaches making their mark, the future of Asian football looks promising. Fans and players alike can take pride in the achievements of their teams and the recognition they receive on such a prestigious platform.