MAROC: Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), becoming the first defender in more than five decades to claim the continent’s top individual honour.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back beat Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen to the award, making history as the first defender to win since Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.
He is also the first Moroccan to receive the accolade since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
In his acceptance speech, Hakimi described the honour as deeply meaningful.
It is a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award, he said.
This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women in Africa who dream of becoming footballers. And for those who believed in me since childhood I thank you all.
Hakimi enjoyed a standout year in 2025, capturing the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1 title, and Coupe de France.
He also reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup and played a key role in Morocco’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
