Achraf Hakimi’s remarkable year in football reached a symbolic and emotional high point on Friday night when FIFA President personally presented the Moroccan star with The Best award at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The ceremony, held in the presence of members of the Moroccan national team, was staged on home soil, turning the accolade into more than an individual celebration. It was a moment that reflected both Hakimi’s personal excellence and Morocco’s growing stature on the global football stage.
Hakimi’s recognition capped a year in which his performances firmly established him as one of the finest full-backs in world football. Earlier in the week, the Paris Saint-Germain defender had already been named in FIFA’s Best Men’s XI for the 2024/25 season at The Best Awards ceremony in Doha, further underlining a campaign defined by consistency, influence, and silverware at the highest level.
For Hakimi, the award was the culmination of a season in which he combined defensive discipline with his trademark attacking thrust down the right flank. His pace, positional intelligence, and ability to contribute decisively in the final third once again made him indispensable to , as the club enjoyed another strong domestic and European campaign.
Throughout the year, Hakimi remained a constant presence in PSG’s starting lineup, trusted in high-pressure matches and decisive moments. His evolution from a promising young full-back into a complete modern defender has been evident, with his influence extending beyond assists and overlapping runs to include leadership, tactical awareness, and composure in big games.
At international level, Hakimi’s importance to the Moroccan national team, the Atlas Lions, continued to grow. As one of the senior figures in the squad, he played a central role both on and off the pitch, helping guide younger players while maintaining high performance standards. His leadership has been widely credited as a key factor in Morocco’s sustained competitiveness on the continental and global stages.
The composition of the FIFA Best Men’s XI for 2025 further highlighted the calibre of players Hakimi now stands alongside. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma was selected, while the defensive line featured Hakimi, William Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, and Nuno Mendes—forming a formidable and balanced back four.
The midfield reflected a blend of creativity, control, and intelligence, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Vitinha, and Pedri all earning places after outstanding seasons. Up front, the attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé completed the lineup, showcasing a mix of youthful brilliance and elite-level experience.
Infantino’s decision to personally hand the award to Hakimi in Morocco was widely viewed as a deliberate and meaningful gesture. By choosing to present the honour in Rabat rather than at a neutral venue, FIFA underscored the significance of the moment not just for the player, but for Moroccan football as a whole.
Addressing those present, Infantino praised Hakimi’s professionalism, consistency, and impact, noting that his journey reflects the growing influence of African players at the very top of the global game. The presentation also highlighted Morocco’s investment in football infrastructure and development, symbolised by the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which has become a hub for nurturing elite talent.
For Moroccan fans, the ceremony represented a moment of shared pride. Hakimi’s rise from local beginnings to global recognition has resonated deeply with supporters, many of whom see his success as a reflection of the nation’s footballing ambition and resilience. His achievements continue to inspire a new generation of players across Morocco and the wider African continent.
Beyond individual accolades, Hakimi’s award serves as a broader statement about Africa’s place in world football. As African players increasingly feature among the game’s elite, moments like this reinforce the continent’s contribution to the sport’s evolution at the highest level.
For Hakimi himself, the honour is another milestone rather than a final destination. At just 26, he remains at the peak of his powers, with many believing his best years are still ahead. His focus, according to those close to him, remains firmly on collective success with both club and country.
As celebrations concluded in Rabat, the message was clear: Achraf Hakimi’s year has not only been stellar, it has been historic. Recognised by FIFA’s highest individual honours and celebrated at home, his journey continues to embody excellence, ambition, and pride—for Morocco, for Africa, and for world football.
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