PSG’s Achraf Hakimi voted African Footballer of the Year

Achraf Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Germain player, has won the African Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first African defender to do so in 52 years.

At the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco right back Hakimi placed ahead of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in the vote.

After guiding PSG to their first ever Champions League title in May, they defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the final as part of a legendary treble-winning campaign that included the Coupe de France and the Ligue 1 title.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated PSG in the UEFA Super Cup in August to claim their fourth trophy of the 2025 calendar year.

Hakimi described it as “really a proud moment” and the first Moroccan to receive the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defense official since Bwanga Tshimen of Zaire in 1973.

He said, “This trophy is not just for me but also for all the strong men and women who want to play football in Africa.”

I want to thank everyone who has always backed me and who has always backed me since I was a child, he continued.

A recognition that celebrates years of dedication, success, and unforgettable accomplishments.

My family, my teammates, and everyone else who works with me every day, both on and off the field, show me my gratitude. I’m stronger and able to grow thanks to your support, dedication, and trust.

Thank you for the picture. twitter.com/ZssdnZ2T55

Hakimi also placed sixth in the men’s 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings in September, which is the annual award given to the best football player in the world. This was the Moroccan’s highest position ever. Ousmane Dembele, his teammate and French international, was honored as the Ballon d’Or winner.

As well as receiving the honors of Yassine Bounou and Ghizlane Chebbak, both from Saudi Arabia, the Moroccan footballers also received the men’s and women’s footballers, respectively.

Heart, talent, and impact Never unmasked.

Ghizlane Chebbak is the Women’s Player of the Year for giving it her all. 🌟🇲🇦#CAFAwards2025 pic. twitter.com/kYSSHtdsi5

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently made the move to Brighton &amp, Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League, was awarded the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third time in a row.

After making its World Cup debut in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Cape Verde manager Bubista was named the country’s 525, 000-person coach.