Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the African Footballer of the Year for 2025, securing the prestigious individual honour for the first time in his career.
A Season of Triumph and Glory
The award, announced on Wednesday, recognises Hakimi's phenomenal 2024/2025 season where he was a pivotal force for his club. The 27-year-old right-back enjoyed an incredible trophy haul, lifting the UEFA Champions League with PSG, alongside a fourth Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Despite the domestic and European success, one medal eluded him as PSG finished as runners-up in the Club World Cup final in New York. Hakimi faced fierce competition for the African crown, ultimately beating out two former winners: Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Morocco's Dominance on the Awards Night
Expressing his joy, Hakimi stated, "It's really an honour for me to be here today and I'm proud to win such a prestigious trophy." He went on to thank his family, teammates, and the Moroccan national team coach, Walid Regragui.
The ceremony was a resounding success for the host nation, Morocco. In the women's category, Ghizlane Chebbak was voted the best women's player, outperforming her compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade. Further Moroccan victories included:
- Yassine Bounou winning the best men's goalkeeper award.
- The Moroccan under-20 World Cup-winning team being voted best men's national team.
- Othmane Maamma (Watford) and Doha El Madani claiming the best young men's and women's player awards, respectively.
Looking Ahead and Other Honours
Currently recovering from a severely sprained ankle, Hakimi's focus now shifts to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host starting December 21. If fit, he is expected to lead his nation's quest to win the tournament for the first time since 1976.
The awards night also celebrated other African stars. Cape Verde's coach Bubista was named men's coach of the year for guiding the small nation to the 2026 World Cup. In a remarkable achievement, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie secured her third consecutive women's goalkeeper of the year award.
