Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the world’s top right-backs, has had an outstanding year. He secured the treble with PSG, including a UEFA Champions League title, and played a key role in leading Morocco to become the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Moroccan team, which surprised many at the last World Cup, is on track to extend its streak with 18 consecutive wins. Achraf Hakimi also made history by winning the African Footballer of the Year award, the first defender to do so in 52 years. He surpassed Egyptian star Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s in-form forward Victor Osimhen to claim the honor.
Achraf Hakimi
Currently sidelined due to injury, Hakimi’s 2025 season with PSG included victories in the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup, making him the first Moroccan to win the award since midfielder Mustapha Hadji in 1998. Going further back, the last defender to receive the African Footballer of the Year was Boyanga Shimon from Zaire (now DR Congo) in 1973. Hakimi accepted his award at the ceremony while seated in a wheelchair.
Reflecting on his win, Hakimi said, “This is a very proud moment not just for me, but for every strong man and woman from Africa who dreams of becoming a footballer. I’m grateful to everyone who believed in me since I was a child and thought I would become a professional player.”
Moroccan Football Icon
Morocco celebrated further victories at the African football awards, with Hakimi’s PSG teammate and Saudi club Al Hilal’s Yacine Bounou named Goalkeeper of the Year, and Ghislaine Chibak honored as Women’s Player of the Year. (Source)
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Ndoji, recently signed by English club Brighton, claimed the African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third straight year. Meanwhile, the African Coach of the Year award went to Cape Verde’s Bouvista, after leading his team to their first-ever World Cup qualification.
