In a night of celebration for Moroccan football, Achraf Hakimi edged out superstar rivals to claim the African Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first defender in over half a century to earn the honor.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi was named the African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards on Wednesday. The Moroccan full-back made history twice over, not only becoming the first defender to win the prestigious award in 52 years but also the first from his nation to claim it since 1998.
Hakimi’s remarkable 2025 season, where he was a cornerstone of a PSG team that swept the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup, ultimately saw him finish ahead of high-profile attackers Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final vote. The last defender to win the award was Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen back in 1973.
Upon receiving the trophy, an emotional Hakimi dedicated the win to his supporters and aspiring athletes across the continent.
“This is a truly proud moment for me,” Hakimi said from the stage. “This trophy isn’t just for me, but for all the strong men and women across Africa who dream of becoming a footballer one day.”
He added, “And to everyone who believed in me since I was a little kid, who knew I would be a professional footballer one day—I want to thank them all.”
The ceremony in Rabat turned into a triumphant night for Morocco. Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Footballer of the Year, while national team goalkeeper Yassine Bounou took home the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Other notable winners included Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize for an incredible third consecutive time, fresh off her recent transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Completing the feel-good stories of the evening, Cape Verde’s coach Bubista was honored as Coach of the Year. He earned the accolade after guiding the small island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance, set for next year’s tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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