Hakimi Crowned African Player of the Year at CAF Awards 2025

Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international, achieved one of the pinnacle honors of his career by being named the African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025 held in Rabat. Hakimi, who had an outstanding 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), triumphed over Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to claim this prestigious award for the first time. This recognition symbolizes his ascent among the elite in the world of football.

The award ceremony, hosted at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, witnessed Hakimi becoming only the fifth Moroccan player to receive this honor, bringing immense pride to his supporters in the nation’s capital. Throughout the season, he has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to PSG’s victories in the Champions League, another Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Notably, Hakimi made his entrance to the ceremony on a scooter, having recently recovered from a severe ankle sprain sustained during a challenging Champions League match. His determination to attend the event despite his injury resonated with fans. On stage, he expressed, “It’s truly an honor to be here today, and I take pride in winning such a prestigious trophy. This accolade is not just for me; it represents all the resilient men and women in Africa who aspire to fulfill their dreams of becoming footballers.”

Shortly after Hakimi lifted the trophy, his former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of Hakimi with the award and writing, “I love you, my brother. King of Africa. Well done; this award is more than deserved.” His post, accompanied by Moroccan flag emojis, emphasized the strong bond they forged during their time together at PSG from 2021 to 2024, where they frequently celebrated achievements as a duo.

Mbappe’s tribute was especially meaningful, given that Hakimi had recently outperformed him in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Yet, Mbappe showcased nothing but admiration, highlighting the deep respect that exists between the two athletes. Despite their current association with different clubs, their friendship remains one of the most enduring relationships in elite football.

Hakimi’s recognition is the result of years of exceptional performance at both the club and international levels. At PSG, he has emerged as one of Europe’s most versatile full-backs, combining remarkable speed with refined defensive skills and a developing leadership presence. His Champions League victory last season epitomized a remarkable journey, where he consistently delivered standout performances under pressure.

On the international stage, Hakimi is the vital force behind the Moroccan national team. He played a crucial role in their historic journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, where Morocco made history as the first African team to reach that stage. His leadership qualities have only grown, with national team coach Walid Regragui placing significant reliance on him both on and off the field.

Currently, Hakimi is focused on recovering from a severely sprained ankle but remains optimistic about his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host. Lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil would represent a crowning achievement in his illustrious career.

Hakimi’s primary goal is his rehabilitation as Morocco prepares to host AFCON beginning December 21. He is expected to return to light training soon, though his fitness will be closely monitored. Morocco hasn’t won the AFCON since 1976, and Hakimi’s involvement could be pivotal in their quest to end this lengthy championship drought.

For Kylian Mbappe, who continues to excel at Real Madrid as the 2025 season progresses, this moment underscored his leadership qualities and the solid relationships he maintains across the footballing community. Madrid faces a busy schedule that includes La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, yet Mbappe remains a key figure for both his club and the French national team.