Hakimi Wins 2025 African Player of the Year

Moroccan football icon Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 CAF African Player of the Year, becoming one of the few defenders in history to win the prestigious award and the first in decades to break the dominance of attacking players.

Hakimi, who stars for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Moroccan national team, secured the accolade following an extraordinary year marked by consistency, leadership, and decisive performances for both club and country.

The 27-year-old right-back shone brightly throughout PSG’s domestic and European campaigns, where his explosive pace, defensive discipline, and attacking contributions repeatedly proved crucial. Whether stopping counterattacks or initiating them, Hakimi’s presence on the right flank was widely regarded as one of PSG’s biggest strengths during the season.

On the international stage, Hakimi reinforced his standing as Morocco’s talismanic leader. He delivered stellar performances in the Atlas Lions’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international fixtures, guiding the team with composure and confidence while maintaining one of the strongest defensive records in African football.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 16.05% in October 2025

CAF officials praised Hakimi for setting new standards for African defenders on the world stage. His ability to balance defensive solidity with offensive creativity was cited as a defining factor in his win, particularly in a year when competition for the award was intense.

In his acceptance remarks, Hakimi expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans, describing the honour as “a reward for years of hard work and dedication.” He added that representing Morocco and inspiring young African footballers remained the greatest motivation of his career.

Football analysts also hailed Hakimi’s victory as a refreshing shift, noting that defenders often play vital roles yet rarely receive top individual recognition. His win, they said, reflects both his individual brilliance and Morocco’s continued rise in African and global football.

Hakimi’s achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of African players—especially defenders—who see in him a reminder that excellence in any position can be rewarded at the highest level.

With this historic win, Hakimi further solidifies his status as one of Africa’s most influential footballers of the modern era.