Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year, beating top contenders Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to the prestigious CAF award.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, made history as the first defender to win the award since 1973, when Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen received the honour.
He also becomes the first Moroccan winner of Africa’s top football prize since Mustapha Hadji claimed it in 1998.
An emotional Hakimi described the victory as a defining moment in his career. “It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” he said during his acceptance speech.
He added that the award represents not only his achievements, but the dreams of young African footballers everywhere: “This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who dream of becoming footballers in Africa.”
Hakimi enjoyed an exceptional 2025 season, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, and helping PSG reach the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
He also played a crucial role in leading Morocco to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
