Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), capping off an extraordinary season for both club and country. The accolade marks Hakimi’s first win of Africa’s most prestigious football award and comes after a campaign that saw him dominate on multiple fronts with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Moroccan national team.
Hakimi, the 26-year-old PSG right-back, was selected by a panel of CAF experts and leading African football journalists, narrowly beating Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to claim the honour. His triumph underscores his growing influence in world football and confirms his status as one of the continent’s premier talents.
A Historic Season with PSG
Hakimi entered the CAF ceremony as the overwhelming favourite after a historic 2024–2025 season with PSG. The Moroccan international played a pivotal role in helping the club secure four major trophies:
- Ligue 1
- UEFA Champions League
- Coupe de France
- Trophée des Champions
In addition to domestic and continental dominance, Hakimi featured prominently in PSG’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup final, further solidifying his reputation as a world-class performer. Over the course of the season, he logged more than 3,400 minutes across all competitions, demonstrating remarkable consistency and endurance.
In Ligue 1, Hakimi contributed 6 goals and 4 assists, while in the Champions League, he added 5 goals and 4 assists. Defensively, he was instrumental in PSG keeping 10 clean sheets, highlighting his dual threat as both a dynamic attacking force and a reliable defender.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Hakimi’s exceptional performances were not only acknowledged in Africa but also on the global stage. He placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, a testament to his influence and impact in European football. He also earned spots in several prestigious seasonal teams:
- UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
- Ligue 1 Team of the Season
- CAF Team of the Year
These accolades reflect his all-around capabilities, with pundits praising his tactical intelligence, speed, and versatility on the right flank. Hakimi’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him indispensable to PSG and a standout performer in African football.
Impact with the Moroccan National Team
Hakimi’s excellence is not confined to club football. With Morocco’s national team, he played a crucial role in competitive fixtures throughout the year, providing leadership in defense while contributing to attacking build-ups. His presence on the right flank has been a key factor in Morocco’s resurgence as one of Africa’s most competitive national sides.
CAF highlighted his leadership, consistency, and adaptability in its official citation, noting that Hakimi had “embodied the qualities of a world-class African footballer, blending technical skill, tactical intelligence, and an unyielding drive to succeed.”
Breaking New Ground for African Footballers
Hakimi’s achievement is particularly significant in a season dominated by intense competition from other African stars. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian forward who has been a perennial favourite for the CAF award, and Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s prolific striker, were both lauded for outstanding performances with Liverpool and Napoli respectively.
By winning the 2025 CAF award, Hakimi not only joins the ranks of Africa’s elite footballers but also continues a growing trend of defenders being recognized for their impact in modern football, where attacking full-backs play critical roles in both offense and defense.
Praise from Peers and Analysts
Football analysts and former players have praised Hakimi’s composure under pressure, his tactical awareness, and his pace, which allows him to contribute effectively in both attacking and defensive phases of the game. Former African Footballer of the Year Yaya Touré described Hakimi as “a game-changer who represents the future of African football, capable of influencing results at the highest level.”
PSG manager Christophe Galtier also highlighted Hakimi’s professionalism, stating:
“Achraf has been exceptional this season. His ability to perform consistently in every match, whether in domestic or continental competitions, is what sets him apart. He embodies the winning mentality that PSG strives for.”
Looking Ahead
As Hakimi prepares for the upcoming 2025–2026 season, expectations remain high. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether he can continue his streak of excellence and lead PSG and Morocco to further success. Analysts predict that his combination of technical skill, stamina, and tactical acumen will keep him at the forefront of both African and global football discussions for years to come.
CAF’s recognition also reinforces the growing impact of African players in Europe’s top leagues, highlighting the continent’s role in shaping global football trends. Hakimi’s award is a source of inspiration for young African players aspiring to achieve similar success on the international stage.
CAF Acknowledgement
CAF’s official statement on the award emphasized Hakimi’s outstanding contribution to both his club and national team, praising his consistency, versatility, and professionalism. The panel commended him for demonstrating the “highest standards of performance and sportsmanship,” serving as a model for African footballers globally.
Conclusion
Achraf Hakimi’s CAF 2025 African Footballer of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of an extraordinary season marked by historic victories, personal achievements, and a significant contribution to African football’s global prestige. His success with PSG and Morocco underscores the growing influence of African players at the highest levels of world football, setting a benchmark for future generations.
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