Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf
Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year,
becoming the first defender in more than five decades to win the prestigious
CAF award.
Hakimi beat Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray
striker Victor Osimhen to the title, making history as the first defender to
win since Zaire and TP Mazembe legend Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. He is also
the first Moroccan to claim the honour since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
In his acceptance speech, Hakimi expressed deep
gratitude and pride:
“It is truly a proud moment for me to win this
prestigious award.
This trophy is not just for me, but for every strong man and woman in Africa
who dreams of becoming a footballer.
And for everyone who believed in me since childhood—thank you.”
The 2025 season was a standout year for the
26-year-old full-back. He lifted the UEFA Champions League, UEFA
Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France, and also
helped PSG reach the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
His exceptional consistency, leadership, and
performances for both club and country solidified his position as Africa’s best
player for the year.
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