PSG defender Achraf Hakimi named African Footballer of the Year ahead of Salah, Oshimen

New Delhi: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi won the African Footballer of the Year award at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, finishing ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. The 27-year-old became the first Moroccan player since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 to win the award after a brilliant season in which he delivered influential performances for both club and country.

Hakimi had a sensational year with PSG, helping the French club to secure a treble that included the Ligue 1 title, the UEFA Champions League and the French Super Cup. PSG also reached in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup against Chelsea, but fell short. Hakimi's contributions throughout the season solidified his reputation as one of Africa's leading football performers.

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The defender played a crucial role in PSG's Champions League victory, netting the opening goal in the 5-0 win against Italy's Inter Milan in the final. He also remained an important player in Morocco's preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the country looking to win their first continental title since 1976. His consistency across competitions made him the no.1 choice for the award.

He sustained a serious ankle sprain during PSG's game against Bayern Munich in November and is currently recovering from the injury. The injury has also put his participation in the Afcon in doubt, which is set to begin on December 21 in Morocco.

After winning the award, Hakimi thanked his physiotherapists and fans for their support during this difficult period and said that they would do their best to win the Afcon trophy.

Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women's African Player of the Year after finishing as the leading goal scorer at the Africa Women's Cup of Nations. Yassine Bounou won the Best Goalkeeper award after his great World Cup performances. Cape Verde manager Bubista won the Men's Coach of the Year award after guiding his team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.