RABAT: Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday, becoming the first defender in 52 years to win the prestigious honour. The Moroccan right-back finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final voting.
Hakimi’s award caps a remarkable year in which he lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup with PSG. He is also the first Moroccan recipient since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and the first defender since Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.
“It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” Hakimi said. “This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa. 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 enjoyed further success at the ceremony, with Ghizlane Chebbak named Women’s Footballer of the Year and Yassine Bounou winning Goalkeeper of the Year. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie secured Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time after her recent move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Cape Verde’s Bubista was honoured as Coach of the Year, recognised for guiding the island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year.
