Qatar’s Akram Afif, Japan’s Kiko Seike win AFC Player of the Year awards

Al Sadd forward Afif won the award for the second time after leading Qatar to the AFC Asian Cup title at home in 2023.

Qatar’s Akram Afif has been named the Asian Football Confederation’s Player of the Year for a second time, along with Kiko Seike from Japan, who secured the women’s title at the regional body’s annual awards ceremony in Seoul.

Afif, who had previously won the award in 2019, was presented with the trophy following his instrumental performances in Qatar’s successful defence of their Asian Cup title on home soil earlier in the year.

“I’m nervous like I’m about to take a penalty in the final,” Afif said as he accepted the award on Monday.

“I thank my wife and all the national team members, coaches, administrators and medical team.

“I will try again to win this award for a third time.”