Achraf Hakimi creates history at the 2025 CAF Awards by winning African Footballer of the Year. Read about his landmark achievement, key highlights from the ceremony, and Morocco’s dominant night. (Image Credit: X/ @stakerszn)
At the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Paris Saint-Germain superstar Achraf Hakimi created history when he won the African Footballer of the Year award.
The Moroccan full-back became the first defender in 52 years to lift the award, finishing ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final vote. Hakimi’s win also marks the first time since 1998 that a Moroccan player has claimed the continent’s biggest individual prize.
Throughout the season, the right-back provided elite-level consistency as he managed to contribute with goals, assists, defensive leadership, and tireless energy in transition. His mix of pace, technique, and tactical intelligence made him indispensable whether it was on Champions League nights with high stakes or domestic title battles.
Hakimi's standout show came in the Champions League final, playing a leading role in PSG's dominant win. That performance, along with his season-long reliability, tipped the balance in his favour during award voting-an achievement that redefines the impact a modern defender can have across competitions.
The 2025 CAF Award shortlist was star-studded, with Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen among the contenders. All had great seasons, but Hakimi's all-rounded contributions in defence and attack separated him from the field.
Hakimi was not the only Moroccan star that shone at the event. The country dominated a number of major categories, reinforcing its growing influence in African football.
Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women's Footballer of the Year while national team goalkeeper Yassine Bounou collected the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year trophy.
From national development structures to international success, and an entire generation of star performers who play at the pinnacle of world football, Morocco's rise in football was evident throughout both men's and women's divisions alike.
An emotional Hakimi described the award as a "proud moment" for himself, his family, and all those who have believed in him since childhood.
Hakimi dedicated the honour to "every strong man and woman in Africa who dreams of becoming a footballer one day." These words capture the deeper meaning of his win: a message of representation, hope, and pride to millions of young talents across the continent.
