Defensive Star Captures Africa’s Most Prestigious Trophy
Paris Saint-Germain right back Achraf Hakimi won the 2025 African Player of the Year award Wednesday night at the CAF Awards in Rabat, becoming the first Moroccan to claim the honor since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. The 27-year-old topped finalists Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, both former winners and among Africa’s most influential players this year. His win added to PSG’s global success, as teammate Ousmane Dembélé captured the Ballon d’Or in September, giving the club two major award winners within months. Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s Champions League title and sweep of domestic competitions, placing him at the center of discussions on the modern fullback’s value. The result sparked celebrations in Rabat, where supporters embraced a milestone for their national football identity.
Hakimi’s 2025 campaign was widely regarded as the most complete of his career, built on consistency, versatility, and an unmatched work rate from a defensive position. He helped PSG collect trophies in the Champions League, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup, while also leading the club to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. During the CAF evaluation period, he recorded 54 appearances, 10 goals, and 11 assists, numbers that reflect an impact level rarely seen from a fullback in top-tier football. His performances for Morocco carried similar weight, particularly in the team’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Voters noted that his ability to influence matches on both sides of the ball positioned him as one of the continent’s most complete players.
Hakimi’s win also ended Nigeria’s recent grip on the award after two straight years of success by the nation’s top attackers. Osimhen secured the prize in 2023 during his peak at Napoli, and Ademola Lookman followed in 2024 after an impressive season with Atalanta. Hakimi finished runner-up in both years, coming close but falling short despite significant contributions for club and country. His 2025 triumph was viewed as the final step in a steady, three-year ascent to the continent’s highest individual honor. Observers said his persistence, maturation, and sustained excellence allowed him to surpass players who traditionally dominate award voting due to their scoring totals.
Morocco’s growing presence across African football was also evident throughout the night, reinforcing the country’s rising stature on the continental stage. Moroccan players and coaches earned multiple honors, including Ghizlane Chebbak winning Women’s Player of the Year and Yassine Bounou receiving Goalkeeper of the Year. The nation’s continued investment in player development and infrastructure has produced a generation capable of competing at the top levels of international football. Analysts noted that this progress reflects a broader effort across the continent to develop more comprehensive national systems, rather than relying solely on breakthrough individuals. The energy inside the venue in Rabat captured the pride of a country witnessing the payoff of years of ambition.
The achievement marked a defining moment for Hakimi and the evolving view of defenders in African football. His rise from youth prospect to Champions League–winning fullback reshaped expectations for his position. Many experts said his defensive reliability and attacking creativity mirror global trends, where fullbacks are now key players in elite teams. Supporters and analysts view Hakimi’s award as a breakthrough that could broaden future recognition for players outside scoring roles. His win closed a chapter of near-misses and opened an era of wider possibilities for African talent across the pitch.
