Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 CAF (Confederation of African Football) Men’s Player of the Year at the CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco. Hakimi secured the prestigious award by beating fellow finalists Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. This victory makes Hakimi the first defender to win the award since Bwanga Tshimen in 1973, and the first Moroccan to claim Africa’s top player prize since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi’s exceptional 2025 season included major successes with Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France. He also played a crucial role in Morocco qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Hakimi expressed pride in winning the award, dedicating it to all aspiring African footballers and those who believed in him since childhood.
In addition to Hakimi’s individual honor, Morocco was recognized in several categories at the awards, including Yassine Bounou winning Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year for his performances with Al-Hilal and the national team. The CAF Awards 2025 celebrated top performers from across African football between January 6 and October 15, 2025, highlighting achievements in both club and international competitions.
