Paris St-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has ended Morocco’s 27-year wait for African football’s most prestigious individual honour after being named the continent’s Player of the Year at Monday’s CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat.
The 27-year-old full-back saw off competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to claim the prize, becoming the first Moroccan winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi’s triumph caps a remarkable season in which he helped PSG secure an unprecedented Champions League title, scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final. The French club also collected the Ligue 1 championship, Coupe de France, UEFA Super Cup and French Super Cup, though they fell short in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
The defender, who finished as runner-up in both 2023 and 2024, dedicated his victory to aspiring footballers across Africa.
“This trophy belongs to every African with a dream,” he said after receiving the award.
Hakimi hopped up the steps on to the stage before accepting his award from Caf president Patrice Motsepe and Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino, making sure not to put weight on his injured left foot.
He has been front and centre in promoting this year’s finals as Morocco aim to claim the continental title for the first time since 1976.
“We will do our best to win the Afcon trophy,” added Hakimi. “I’d like to thank my physiotherapists and those that support me in this difficult period.”
Morocco enjoyed a dominant evening at the gala, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou named best shot-stopper and the nation’s Under-20 side crowned Men’s Team of the Year. Female players Ghizlane Chebbak, Othmane Maamma and Doha El Madani also collected awards in their respective categories.
Nigeria’s women’s team received Team of the Year honours, whilst Cape Verde coach Bubista was named Coach of the Year. Egyptian club Pyramids FC claimed the Club of the Year prize.
The ceremony also recognised three East African presidents – Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – with outstanding contribution awards for their support of football development across the continent
