CAF: Morocco’s Hakimi Wins 2025 African Player of the Year
Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan footballer who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was named the coveted CAF Men’s Player of the Year in Rabat.
The trophy caps off a spectacular season in which he helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Ligue 1 title and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 27-year-old full-back, whose quick pace and superb crosses have redefined defensive football, defeated a strong field at the 2025 CAF Awards, hosted in the shadow of Morocco’s historic capital.
The moment. His moment. Our Hakimi! 🌍#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/gan2G7sVs8
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 19, 2025
Hakimi’s victory is the first for a Moroccan since Riyad Mahrez in 2016, breaking a string dominated by West African talents.
The finalists included Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who just won the Serie A Golden Boot with Napoli; Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, whose Liverpool comeback resulted in 28 goals and 18 assists; and Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s breakout striker with 21 Premier League goals.
Hakimi received 38% of the vote from a panel of journalists, coaches, and national team captains, followed by Osimhen with 29%, Salah with 22%, and Jackson with 11%.
This award follows a trio of Nigerian victories in recent years.
Ademola Lookman, also from Nigeria, won the trophy in 2024 following his Europa League heroics with Atalanta.
Before him, Victor Osimhen repeated as winner in 2023, powering Napoli to Scudetto glory, while Sadio ManĂ© of Senegal took the 2022 honors amid Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga charge.
Hakimi’s win signals a shift from West Africa, proving North Africa’s rising football prowess.
On stage, flanked by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino, Hakimi’s voice cracked with emotion as he accepted the gleaming award.
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“This isn’t just for me but for every kid in Morocco’s medinas who dreams under streetlights, for the Atlas Lions who roared at the World Cup, and for Africa, our beautiful, unbreakable continent,” he said, drawing thunderous applause from the participants.
A recognition that crowns years of hard work, success, and unforgettable moments.
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) November 19, 2025
My gratitude goes to my family, my teammates, and everyone who works with me every day, on and off the field. Your trust, dedication, and support make me stronger and allow me to grow.
Thank you… pic.twitter.com/ZssdnZ2T55
He added, “Football taught me resilience, from Ajax’s youth academy to Real Madrid’s BernabĂ©u, and now PSG’s Parc des Princes. To my competitors—Victor, Mo, Nico—you push me to be better. Let’s keep lifting Africa higher.”
The award, first started in 1992, has crowned legends like Samuel Eto’o and Yaya TourĂ©.
For Hakimi, it’s validation after near-misses in 2021 and 2023.
CAF: Morocco’s Hakimi Wins 2025 African Player of the Year
