Achraf Hakimi crowned 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year

Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 CAF Men’s African Player of the Year, capping off a remarkable season for both PSG and Morocco. The 27-year-old becomes the first defender in more than half a century to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual award, finishing ahead of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.

Hakimi produced one of the most complete seasons of his career in 2024–25. He scored 11 goals and delivered 16 assists for Paris Saint-Germain, playing more than 3,400 minutes and helping the club lift Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. His performances earned him places in both the Ligue 1 and Champions League Teams of the Season.

Read also: CAF Awards 2025: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi lead Player of the Year Nominee List

This triumph also ends Morocco’s long wait for another winner since Mustapha Hadji lifted the award in 1998. It comes after Hakimi finished runner-up in 2024 and placed behind Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the previous two editions.

Hakimi played a key role in Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, contributing four assists during the campaign. His impact for club and country has also put him in contention for the 2025 Globe Soccer Men’s Award, although PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele is currently viewed as the frontrunner.

Morocco will now hope that their star right-back can lead them to success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Yassine Bounou was also recognised on the night, reclaiming the Goalkeeper of the Year award that he previously won in 2023.

SportsLigue