Morocco’s talented right-back, Achraf Hakimi, was honored with the title of the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the prestigious Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, which took place in Rabat. This significant achievement not only highlights Hakimi’s exceptional abilities on the pitch but also represents a triumphant evening for the host nation, Morocco, as they celebrated their footballing prowess.
The 27-year-old Hakimi emerged victorious against tough competition, notably Egypt’s esteemed captain, Mohamed Salah, and Nigeria’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen. His remarkable contributions during the past year played a vital role in helping his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), clinch the French Ligue 1 title and secure their maiden Champions League trophy. This accolade marks a historic achievement for Hakimi, making him the first Moroccan player to receive the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. Hakimi had come close to winning in 2023 and 2024 but finally achieved this well-deserved recognition in 2025.
In the women’s category, Morocco’s own captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, also took home the coveted award, creating a delightful surprise by defeating Nigeria’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, along with her teammate Sanaa Mssoudy. The selection of the winners was conducted by a panel of esteemed experts, comprising members from CAF’s technical committee and various professionals from African media, along with notable players and coaches across the continent.
Hakimi’s recognition for the prestigious title is a testament to his outstanding performances, which have garnered attention and admiration from football enthusiasts worldwide. His stellar contributions included not just defensive displays but also a significant offensive role, as he scored the opening goal in the Champions League final, leading PSG to a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. Beyond the Champions League success, Hakimi’s club also triumphed in various other competitions, including the UEFA Super Cup, the Coupe de France, and the French Super Cup last season. However, they faced disappointment in the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they were defeated by Chelsea. Expressing his gratitude, Hakimi stated, “It’s truly an honor to win this prestigious trophy. This award is not just for me; it represents all Africans who have dreams.” However, amid the celebrations, Hakimi is now confronted with a challenging situation as he races against time to recover from an ankle injury. This injury was sustained during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, raising concerns about his availability for the forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted on home soil.
During the awards ceremony, Hakimi made a careful ascent to the stage to accept his trophy from CAF president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, all the while ensuring not to put any weight on his injured left foot. As Morocco prepares to host the tournament, Hakimi’s pivotal role in the team will be essential, especially as the nation aims to secure the coveted continental title for the first time since their last victory in 1976.