Achraf Hakimi Wins African Men’s Player of the Year After Historic Season With PSG

Achraf Hakimi Wins African Men’s Player of the Year After Historic Season With PSG

Morocco’s national team captain Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the African Men’s Player of the Year, marking one of the biggest milestones in his football career. The 27-year-old PSG defender, who played a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League triumph, beat former winners Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to claim the prestigious award.

Hakimi’s victory comes after a dominant season in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League, secured his fourth Ligue 1 title, and added both the French Cup and UEFA Super Cup to his collection. PSG, however, narrowly missed out on the Club World Cup, where Hakimi finished as runner-up due to an ankle injury that kept him sidelined in New York.

In his acceptance speech, Hakimi expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui, saying:

“It’s truly an honour to win such a prestigious trophy. I’m proud and grateful for everyone who supported me.”

Although currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain, Hakimi is expected to lead host nation Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Lions hope to secure their first AFCON title since 1976.

Morocco Dominates CAF Awards 2025

The CAF Awards 2025 turned into a celebration of Moroccan football, with several national heroes taking home major honours.

Ghizlane Chebbak Wins African Women’s Player of the Year

Moroccan forward Ghizlane Chebbak, who finished as the top scorer in this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, won the African Women’s Player of the Year award. She beat fellow Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade.

Yassine Bounou Named Best Men’s Goalkeeper

Morocco’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Yassine Bounou claimed the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award, adding to the country’s outstanding performance at the ceremony.

Youth and National Team Awards

• Othmane Maamma, Watford’s rising 20-year-old Moroccan talent, won Best Young Men’s Player.
• Doha El Madani retained the title of Best Young Women’s Player.
• Morocco’s U-20 World Cup-winning team was named Best Men’s National Team of the year.

Other Major Honors

Cape Verde’s Bubista Named Coach of the Year

Cape Verde coach Bubista earned the Men’s Coach of the Year award after leading his country—home to just 525,000 people—to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria’s Nnadozie Earns Third Goalkeeper Award

Nigeria’s star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive year, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s best shot-stoppers.

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