Hakimi wins African Player of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan to do so since 1998

Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Achraf Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday, the first defender to claim the award in 52 years, as he finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the voting.

Moroccan right-back Hakimi was rewarded for a trophy-laden 2025 at PSG, claiming the UEFA Champions League, the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Super Cup.

He is the first Moroccan to win the award since midfielder Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and the first defender since Zairean central defender Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

“It is truly a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” said Hakimi. “This trophy is not just for me, but for all strong men and women who dream of becoming footballers in Africa.

«And for those who have always believed in me since I was a child, that one day I would become a professional football player. I want to thank them all.»

Morocco scooped several other awards, including Women’s Footballer of the Year for Saudi forward Ghizlane Chebbak and Goalkeeper of the Year for Al-Hilal’s Yassine Bounou.

The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year was named for the third time in a row by Nigerian Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League.

Cape Verde’s Bubista won Coach of the Year after guiding the tiny island nation to a debut World Cup appearance in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.

Published on November 20, 2025