Paris Saint-Germain star and Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has been officially crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year at a glamorous CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The achievement places Hakimi at the pinnacle of African football and marks a historic moment for Morocco, as he becomes the first player from the North African nation to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi faced strong competition from two of the continent’s most influential footballers—Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. However, the 27-year-old defender’s exceptional performances over the past year made a compelling case, earning him recognition as Africa’s finest footballer for 2025.
The year was undoubtedly one of the most memorable in Hakimi’s professional career. At club level, he was a pivotal figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 triumph, combining defensive solidity with attacking brilliance from the right flank. His explosive pace, pinpoint crosses, and tactical intelligence established him as a key component in Luis Enrique’s system.
Hakimi’s most remarkable contribution came on the European stage, where he played an instrumental role in helping PSG secure their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His defensive discipline, coupled with his ability to surge forward and contribute to crucial goals, proved vital during the knockout rounds. Analysts and fans alike hailed him as one of the standout players of the competition.
Statistically, Hakimi delivered numbers rarely seen from a defender. He ended the year with 30 goal contributions, the highest tally by any defender across Europe’s top five leagues. In addition, he ranked second only to Virgil van Dijk for total successful passes by a defender in 2025, underscoring his contribution to PSG’s build-up play and overall dominance on the pitch.
Beyond his club heroics, Hakimi also excelled for the Morocco national team, reinforcing his status as a leader and consistent performer. His ability to influence games both defensively and offensively made him indispensable to the Atlas Lions, earning praise from coaches, teammates, and supporters.
Hakimi’s CAF Award win reflects not just individual brilliance but a symbol of inspiration for younger Moroccan and African footballers. His success story—from a young prospect at Real Madrid’s academy to one of the world’s best full-backs—continues to resonate across the continent.
In accepting the award, Hakimi dedicated the honour to his family, teammates, fans, and the entire Moroccan football community. The triumph marks a major milestone in his career and solidifies his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest modern footballers.
As the football world celebrates this achievement, Achraf Hakimi stands tall as the 2025 African Player of the Year, a recognition earned through hard work, excellence, and history-making performances on the global stage.
