Achraf Hakimi, the star full-back for Paris Saint-Germain, was crowned the African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.
This landmark victory makes him the first defender in 52 years to earn the prestigious honour.
According to a report from the Indo-Asian News Service, the Moroccan international secured the accolade after an exceptional 2025 season with PSG, during which he was a key figure in their triumphs, lifting the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup.
In the final vote for the award, Hakimi finished ahead of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Hakimi’s win breaks a 27-year drought for Morocco in this category, becoming the first player from the nation to take the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Furthermore, he is the first defender to claim the title since Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen accomplished the feat in 1973.
The full-back expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award.
This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in African.”
He added, “And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all.”
Morocco showcased their dominance across several categories at the ceremony.
Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak was named the Women’s Footballer of the Year, and Al-Hilal keeper Yassine Bounou secured the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Additionally, Cape Verde’s Bubista was honored as the Coach of the Year for leading the island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, now with Brighton & Hove Albion, won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for a third consecutive time.