Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: It may not be the largest trophy ever, but to previous winners such as Nassir Al Shamrani, Ali Karimi and Homare Sawa, having the AFC Player of the Year award in their hands must surely rank amongst their greatest professional achievements.
Bestowed to Asia’s finest footballing talent, the AFC Player of the Year Awards trophy is an abiding symbol of the most prestigious night in the Asian football calendar. And what a trophy it is.
Designed to showcase an open-aired globe centre piece, symbolising the spirit of AFC and the world’s passion for football, the glittering open skeleton frame is a representation of the earth, and the focal point of the trophy is its 'golden sculpture' ensconced within. This dynamic golden form is the figure of the 'modern player' which has become a world famous icon within the circles of football.
The AFC Player of the Year Awards is 50cm by 15cm of crafted sterling silver featuring an anodised central pillar in the distinctive 'AFC' blue.
The AFC logo sits etched on a diamond engraved golden brushed band on the upper body, encompassed by a host of crown inspired silver gilt struts lending integrity and strength to the trophy design.
Come November 29, the highly sought after prize will once again be centre stage with China’s Zheng Zhi along with the UAE duo of Ahmed Khalil and Omar Abdulrahman all in contention to land the 2015 AFC Player of the Year award, while Australian ace Elise Kellond-Knight as well Japan’s Aya Miyama and Rumi Utsugi find themselves vying for the equally coveted AFC Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Photo: AFP