Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has been named African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, becoming the first defender to win the accolade in 52 years. Hakimi finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the voting.
The Moroccan right-back enjoyed a trophy-laden 2025 with PSG, winning the Champions League, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup. He is the first Moroccan to claim the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defender since DRC’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 for all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa, and for those who believed in me since I was a child.”
Moroccan players also excelled in other categories, with Ghizlane Chebbak named Women’s Footballer of the Year and Yassine Bounou winning Goalkeeper of the Year. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie was awarded Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time following her move to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pedro Brito, also known as Bubista, from Cape Verde won Coach of the Year after leading his nation to a debut World Cup appearance in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.
