Thu Nov 20 01:06:12 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Achraf Hakimi Crowned African Footballer of the Year, Ending Defender Drought
Rabat, Morocco – Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi has been named the African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, held in Rabat, Morocco. The prestigious award marks a historic moment, as Hakimi becomes the first defender to win the title in 52 years, since Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. He is also the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi beat out stiff competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to claim the coveted trophy. The award recognizes his outstanding performance in leading PSG to an unprecedented treble-winning season, including their first-ever Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, alongside the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. PSG continued their winning streak by claiming the UEFA Super Cup, bringing their trophy count for the year to four.
“This trophy is not just for me but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa,” Hakimi said, dedicating the award to aspiring African footballers and those who supported him throughout his journey.
Hakimi’s exceptional year also saw him finish sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest position ever achieved by a Moroccan player. The Ballon d’Or winner for 2025 was his teammate, Ousmane Dembele.
The night also celebrated other Moroccan footballing achievements, with Yassine Bounou named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Ghizlane Chebbak crowned Women’s Footballer of the Year. Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third year running, while Cape Verde’s Bubista was awarded Coach of the Year after leading the nation to their debut World Cup appearance.
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