AFC
Dazzling new trophy, medal designs to debut at AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM
—- Accolade recipients at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM can look forward to taking home sparkling new trophies, with the introduction of revamped designs for the most prestigious night on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s annual calendar.
To be hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time, the 29th edition of the glittering gala on Thursday (October 16) will feature a dazzling update of the prizes that will be presented to each of the winners across 20 award categories.
The acclaimed unveiling of the new AFC brand identity that ushered in the start of 2025 presented the opportune moment to refresh the trophy design of the AFC Awards, which has not evolved since the current design was introduced in 2007.
Designed and handcrafted by the globally renowned London-based goldsmiths and silversmiths Thomas Lyte, who also created the previous trophy, the new visual appearance was conceptualised by integrating the essence of the new AFC corporate branding, including the new AFC logo. This was achieved through subtle details, such as an “A” shape at the top of the vanes of the new trophy that would complement the AFC logo on the central band, while retaining the overall look and shape and integrity of the original award.
Over four months, over 50 design visuals were created, enabling the AFC to move through a process of evolution of the design, which culminated in the stunning final showpiece that will be presented at the magnificent King Fahd Cultural Center.
The AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 will also feature a new medal design for the AFC Diamond of Asia – the most esteemed individual accolade in Asian football, which will be bestowed on its 18th recipient on the night.
A testament to excellence and a tribute to Asia’s cultural richness, the medal’s overall shape is a stylised, eight-sided diamond that radiates elegance while seamlessly showcasing the new AFC logo at its centre. Crafted by world-famous Royal Selangor, the medal incorporates a blue and gold ribbon that reflects its prestige, and is accompanied by a meticulously detailed pin. Meant to be worn proudly, it retains the same faceted gold design, with a centrepiece diamond – a cartage large enough to catch the light perfectly and command attention, yet perfectly balanced within the pin’s design.
Both new designs will be in the spotlight at the AFC Awards Riyadh 2025 presented by NEOM, which is set to commence at 8pm (GMT+3) on October 16 at the King Fahad Cultural Center. The full list of nominees was announced last month, and the ceremony can be followed on the AFC’s YouTube and other digital platforms.
Trophy photos: Thomas Lyte
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