Africa cup nations: a concise orientation before we get practical.
Africa cup nations: Quick notes
British-Nigerian designer Yinka Ilori has designed the Man of the Match trophies for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations football tournament taking place in Morocco.
Set to be awarded to the best player in each of the tournament’s 52 games, the trophy was made from 24 metal strips, representing the 24 countries taking part in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“The concept was to design a trophy that richly celebrates and represents the 24 participating nations, but also celebrates the host Morocco,” Ilori told Dezeen.
Yinka Ilori designed the Man of the Match trophy for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations
According to Ilori, the form and materials, along with a representation of a flower at its centre, were chosen to represent the way football brings people together.
“The mix of materials distinguishes each nation, while the way the beam undulates and converges symbolises how football brings people together, celebrating each country’s unique strengths and contributions to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025,” explained Ilori.
“At its centre sits the Damask rose, the national flower of the host country, Morocco. It creates a vibrant focal point and serves as a visual reminder of where this trophy was won.”
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Unlike the majority of Ilori’s work, the trophy does not make use of large amounts of colour. Instead, the design chose to create the gold and white gold-looking trophy due to the history of the material on the continent.
“This was intentional and part of the research in the studio,” said Ilori. “When we look at most African countries, they are known for their vast gold wealth, so it was intrinsic for me to focus on the richness of gold and white gold in the trophy.”
“This trophy is a symbol of community, joy, hope and most importantly togetherness,” he continued.
The Africa Cup of Nations began this week in Morocco, with the first game taking place at the Populous-designed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco player Brahim Díaz was named Man of the Match and received the first trophy.
Ilori also recently created a floral pop-up shop at American department store Bloomingdale’s and designed a trio of watches to make their users smile.
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