Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi was crowned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Player of the Year at a ceremony in Rabat on Wednesday.
The Moroccan international defeated strong competition from Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen to claim the continent’s highest individual football honour.
In other categories, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive year.
Hakimi’s victory is a historic shift in the awards, which have traditionally been dominated by forwards and midfielders.
Hakimi becomes the first defender to win the prestigious award since Zaire (now DR Congo) legend Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. He is also the first Moroccan to win the title since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
The award recognizes an exceptional 2025 season for the 27-year-old, who played a pivotal role in PSG, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France. Additionally, he helped lead the Moroccan national team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who dream of being a footballer in Africa. For everyone who believed in me since I was a child, thank you – Hakimi
Alongside Hakimi, Ghizlane Chebbak was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Yassine Bounou won Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and Morocco’s U20 squad was named Men’s National Team of the Year.
While the major individual awards have been distributed, CAF has confirmed that the remaining awards for women’s clubs and coaches will be announced following the conclusion of the CAF Women’s Champions League currently taking place in Egypt.
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