Achraf Hakimi has rewritten history after being named the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year—becoming the first defender in 52 years to win Africa’s highest individual football honour. The PSG star edged out Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen at Wednesday night’s awards ceremony in Rabat.
The last defender to win the award was Zaire legend Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. Hakimi also becomes the first Moroccan winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a brilliant 2025 season, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and reaching the Club World Cup final with PSG. He also played a crucial role in Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In his acceptance speech, Hakimi dedicated the award to Africans chasing football dreams:
“This trophy is not just for me. It’s for all the strong men and women in Africa who dream of becoming footballers. Thank you to everyone who believed in me since childhood.”
Born in Madrid, Hakimi has built an elite career across Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG, earning a reputation as one of the world’s best right-backs.
Morocco dominated the night, with several major wins:
Ghizlane Chebbak – CAF Women’s Player of the Year
Yassine Bounou – Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Morocco U20 – Men’s National Team of the Year
Nigeria also celebrated, as Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive year after leading the Super Falcons to WAFCON glory.
Other key winners include:
Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde)
Men’s Interclub Player: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids)
Men’s Young Player: Othmane Maamma (Morocco U20)
Women’s Young Player: Doha El Madani (Morocco)
Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids
Goal of the Year: Clement Mzize (Young Africans)
Women’s club and coaching awards will be announced after the conclusion of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.
Was Hakimi the rightful winner, or did Salah or Osimhen deserve it more? Share your thoughts in the comments.
