Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi achieved a milestone in African football history by being named African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held in Rabat on Wednesday.
The Moroccan full-back finished ahead of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, becoming the first defender in 52 years to win the prestigious honour.
Hakimi’s win marks the first time since 1973—when Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen received the award—that a defender has secured the top individual prize in African football.
He is also the first Moroccan player to claim the accolade since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential modern players.
The recognition follows an exceptional 2025 season with PSG, during which Hakimi lifted four major trophies: the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup.
His consistent performances in defence and attack positioned him as one of the club’s standout players throughout the campaign.
Hakimi Expresses His Pride
Visibly emotional upon receiving the award, Hakimi said the moment represented a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
“It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award. This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to those who have supported him over the years, adding, “And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all.”
The CAF Awards evening proved immensely successful for Morocco, with several Moroccan individuals receiving top honours.
Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak won the Women’s Footballer of the Year award, highlighting her impressive contributions to women’s football on the continent.
Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, one of the standout performers in global football in recent seasons, won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, further adding to Morocco’s strong presence at the ceremony.
Recognition for Other African Stars
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title for the third consecutive year, following her recent move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League.
Her dominance in the category underscores her growing reputation as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers.
In the coaching category, Cape Verde’s Bubista earned the Coach of the Year award for leading the island nation to a historic milestone—its first-ever World Cup qualification.
Cape Verde will participate in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking a breakthrough moment for the country.
Hakimi’s latest achievement, combined with Morocco’s strong overall showing, underscores the nation’s growing influence in African football and marks a memorable evening for the continent’s sporting community.
Also Read: At Centenary Event With PM Modi, Sachin Tendulkar Recounts Sai Baba’s Influence On His 2011 Triumph
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
