Achraf Hakimi Crowned 2025 African Player of the Year
Rabat, Morocco - In a historic night for Moroccan football, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi was named the 2025 African Player of the Year at the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony held on Wednesday in Rabat.
The 27-year-old defender beat out stiff competition from two of the continent’s most prolific attackers: Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Hakimi’s victory marks a significant milestone in the history of the award. He becomes the first defender to claim the accolade in 52 years, the last being Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. He is also the first Moroccan player to bring the trophy home since the legendary Mustapha Hadji won it in 1998, ending a 27-year wait for the Atlas Lions.
"This award is for every Moroccan child dreaming of this moment," an emotional Hakimi said during his acceptance speech. "It belongs to my family, my teammates, and everyone who believed in me."
The award caps a phenomenal 2024-2025 campaign for Hakimi. His influence at Paris Saint-Germain was undeniable, where he played a pivotal role in the club's domestic dominance, securing the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.
However, it was his form on the European stage that tipped the scales in his favor. Hakimi was instrumental in PSG's historic run to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, contributing vital goals and assists from the flank and solidifying his reputation as arguably the best right-back in world football.
The gala, hosted at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, was a night of celebration for Moroccan football. Alongside Hakimi's triumph, his compatriot Yassine Bounou was named Goalkeeper of the Year, further highlighting the nation's current golden era in the sport. Hakimi arrived at the ceremony amid fanfare, and the image of him holding the golden CAF trophy has already gone viral, celebrated by fans across Africa and Europe.
The finalists for the night included Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray).
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