Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the CAF Awards held in Rabat on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old right-back becomes the first Moroccan to lift the prestigious individual honour since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and only the second defender in the award’s history to be crowned African Best Player.
Hakimi is the first defender to win the accolade in 52 years, with the last player from the backline to achieve the feat being Zaire’s (now DR Congo) Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.
The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star edged out strong competition from Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to claim the top prize.
His outstanding 2025 season with PSG, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph alongside winning the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup, proved decisive.
Hakimi’s blend of defensive resilience and marauding runs down the right flank, coupled with crucial goals and assists, underlined his status as one of the world’s premier full-backs.
The night belonged to Morocco, with the Atlas Lions sweeping several categories. Saudi Pro League-based forward Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Player of the Year, while Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou claimed the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Hakimi’s triumph further cements Morocco’s rising dominance in African football following their remarkable run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and continued success at club and international level.