Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Rabat on Wednesday.
Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco right-back enjoyed an impressive year for club and country, helping the Ligue 1 side to a domestic treble and first-ever Champions League triumph, as well as helping guide his nation to a third successive World Cup finals.
The 27-year-old pipped Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to the prize and, in doing so, becomes the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
It was a successful evening for Morocco, who also saw captain Ghizlane Chebbak claim the women’s prize ahead of Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Atlas Lionesses teammate Sanaa Mssoudy.
“It’s really an honour for me to win this prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said. “This trophy is not just for me – it is for all the Africans that have dreams.”
Hakimi, who is currently recovering from an injury sustained earlier this month in the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, is facing a race to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which takes place on home soil in December and January.
Ivory Coast are the current holders, with Egypt boasting the most titles with seven.
