Alireza Panahi, a member of Afghanistan’s national football team, has been named the country’s player of the year, winning the top award at an annual ceremony in the city of Herat, recognizing the sport’s best performers.
Panahi received the honor at the fifth edition of Afghanistan’s football awards festival, where standout players across multiple categories were recognized.
The award, determined by votes from coaches, team captains and sports journalists, is considered one of the highest individual honors in Afghanistan’s football.
Panahi, who plays for Abu Muslim Farah and the national team, was selected from a shortlist that included Farhad Alizadah and Farzad Ataee.
He was widely regarded as one of the country’s standout players over the past season, with strong performances in both domestic competitions and international matches.
The awards are organized annually by Football 3 Media, which compiles votes from across the football community.
