Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year, becoming the first defender in more than two decades to win the continent’s most prestigious individual football honour.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Moroccan national team, received the award at a ceremony attended by top football officials, past winners, and global sports personalities. His victory marks a major milestone in African football, breaking the long-standing dominance of forwards and midfielders in the award category.
The 27-year-old right-back secured the award following a spectacular year for both club and country. At PSG, Hakimi played a pivotal role in the club’s domestic success and UEFA Champions League campaign, contributing key goals and assists while maintaining his reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic full-backs. His partnership with the club’s attacking players helped transform PSG’s transitions and defensive stability throughout the season.
Hakimi’s outstanding performances for Morocco also cemented his claim to the top award. He captained the Atlas Lions through a strong African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and delivered standout displays in international friendlies and World Cup qualifying matches. His leadership on and off the pitch has been widely praised, especially as Morocco continues to build on the historic momentum of their 2022 World Cup semi-final run.
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In his acceptance speech, Hakimi dedicated the award to the people of Morocco, his teammates, and the African football community. He described the honour as a “dream come true,” adding that it was the product of “years of hard work, discipline, and belief.”
“This award belongs not only to me but to every African child who dreams of playing football at the highest level. I am proud to represent Morocco and Africa on the world stage,” he said.
Football analysts have hailed Hakimi’s win as a refreshing shift in African football recognition, noting that defenders rarely receive top individual accolades despite their contributions. The last defender to win the CAF Player of the Year award was Morocco’s own Noureddine Naybet in 1997, making Hakimi’s triumph deeply symbolic for Moroccan football.
Hakimi beat a competitive shortlist featuring Senegal’s Sadio Mané, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, all of whom had strong performances for their clubs and national teams in 2025.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe congratulated Hakimi, describing him as “a world-class footballer and an inspiration to millions across the continent.” He added that Hakimi’s win underscores Africa’s growing influence on global football talent.
With this achievement, Hakimi further solidifies his place among Africa’s elite footballers. His blend of technical brilliance, versatility, speed, and defensive intelligence has earned him accolades worldwide, and his 2025 Player of the Year award serves as a testament to his evolution into one of the sport’s best.
Hakimi is expected to continue playing a central role for both PSG and the Moroccan national team as preparations begin for upcoming major tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and continental championships.