Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, earning the continent’s most prestigious individual football honour at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
The Paris Saint-Germain standout beat Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen to the title, becoming the first defender to win the award since Zaire and TP Mazembe legend Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. Hakimi also becomes the first Moroccan recipient of the accolade since Mustapha Hadji took home the prize in 1998.
“It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” Hakimi said during his acceptance speech.
“This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who have dreams of becoming footballers in Africa. And for everyone who believed in me since childhood — that I would one day become a professional — I thank them all.”
The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar year, lifting the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1 title, and Coupe de France, while also helping PSG reach the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
On the international stage, Hakimi played a decisive role as Morocco booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
