Qatar's Afif reclaims AFC Player of the Year, while Seike takes the women's award

Qatar's Akram Afif, aged 27, has been honored as the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year for the second time, while Japan's Kiko Seike, 28, has claimed the women's title at the regional body's annual awards ceremony held in Seoul on Tuesday.

With this achievement, Afif joins the ranks of Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata and Uzbekistan's Server Djeparov as the only players to have received the Asian Football Confederation's prestigious award on two occasions. The Qatari forward is now focused on achieving a third consecutive win.

"I aspire to make history and accomplish something significant in my life," Afif stated after receiving the trophy at the gala event in Seoul. "In the future, my son will hear about my contributions to the country, to myself, and to the club. While I have won this award twice, there are others who have also achieved this feat."

"Although I have won the Asian Cup twice, there are players who have won it more than twice. Therefore, I feel I have yet to achieve something truly remarkable."

Afif secured this latest accolade following his pivotal role in his nation's defense of the Asian Cup title in Qatar earlier this year, mirroring his individual and team successes from 2019.

In that year, the Al-Sadd forward was also crucial in leading Qatar to its inaugural Asian Cup victory in the United Arab Emirates five years ago, which earned him recognition as the continent's best player by the confederation.

As Afif approaches his 28th birthday next month and with two trophies now in his possession, he is resolute in his ambition to expand his collection for himself, his club, and his national team.

"I take pride in my achievements thus far, but my aspirations extend beyond that," he stated. "Everyone seeks to achieve more; everyone aims to surpass their previous selves, and I aspire to be the first to accomplish this feat three times."

"My goal is to secure the Asian Champions League Elite title, as I have yet to win it with my club. While I have celebrated two victories in the Asian Cup with my national team, there are still numerous accomplishments that elude me."

"I pray for divine assistance, and I am committed to giving my utmost every day, starting from tomorrow."

Afif also expresses a willingness to consider a return to club football in Europe, having previously played in Spain and Belgium before returning to Qatar.

"Naturally, no player would decline the opportunity to compete with prestigious clubs in European leagues," he remarked.

"I receive offers annually, and should a serious proposal arise, they will reach out to the club to discuss the possibility."