2025 AFCON: Senegal’s AFCON finals win rewarded with record $10m prize money

Senegal’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations victory has been matched by an unprecedented financial reward, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirming a record-breaking $10 million prize for the champions of AFCON 2025.

The Lions of Teranga clinched their second continental title on Sunday night, edging hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a tense final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe had announced ahead of the tournament that prize money would be significantly increased, and Senegal are the first beneficiaries of that pledge. The $10m winners’ cheque represents a 43% rise from the $7m awarded at the 2023 edition, underlining CAF’s ambition to strengthen African football’s global standing and financial sustainability.

“This is about rewarding excellence and investing back into African football,” Motsepe said before the competition kicked off in December 2025.

AFCON 2025 carried a total prize pool of around $32m, ensuring all 24 participating nations earned financial returns based on performance. Runners-up Morocco received $4m, while teams reaching the latter stages were also handsomely rewarded.

The final itself lived up to its billing. After 90 minutes of high tension and few clear chances, controversy erupted deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR review. However, Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy produced a decisive moment, saving Brahim Díaz’s attempted Panenka to keep the scores level.

Just three minutes into extra time, Senegal found the breakthrough. Midfielder Pape Gueye struck a thunderous left-footed shot from outside the area into the top corner, silencing the home crowd and giving Senegal a lead they would not relinquish.

Morocco came agonisingly close to forcing a response, with Nayef Aguerd’s late header crashing against the crossbar, but Senegal’s defence held firm to seal another historic night for the West African nation.

AFCON 2025 prize money breakdown

Champions: $10m
Runners-up: $4m
Semi-finalists: $2.5m each
Quarter-finalists: $1.3m each
Round of 16: $800,000 each
Third in group: $700,000 each
Fourth in group: $500,000 each

For Senegal, the victory delivered more than just silverware. It marked another statement of their dominance on the continental stage and, with a record financial windfall, provided a platform to further strengthen their footballing future.