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Achraf Hakimi Makes History: First Defender in 52 Years Wins African Footballer of the Year

Achraf Hakimi has created history by becoming the first defender in over five decades to win the African Footballer of the Year award. The PSG star received the honor after an incredible season where he won the Champions League and domestic treble. He beat out competition from Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to claim the prestigious trophy. This marks the first time a Moroccan player has won the award since Mustapha Hadji back in 1998.

Key Points: Achraf Hakimi Wins African Footballer of Year Award 2025

  • First defender to win African Footballer of the Year since 1973
  • Led PSG to Champions League and domestic treble in 2025
  • First Moroccan winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998
  • Finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in voting
2 min read

Proud moment for me: Achraf Hakimi on winning African Footballer of the Year award

PSG's Achraf Hakimi becomes first defender in 52 years to win African Footballer of the Year, beating Salah and Osimhen after Champions League triumph.

"It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award - Achraf Hakimi"

Rabat, Nov 20

Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat on Wednesday, becoming the first defender in 52 years to earn the honour as he finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final vote.

The Moroccan full-back received the accolade after an outstanding 2025 season with PSG, during which he lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup.

Hakimi is the first Moroccan player to take the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defender to do so since Zaire’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

"It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award. This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in African," Hakimi said.

"And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all."

Morocco also dominated several other categories, with Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak named Women’s Footballer of the Year and Al-Hilal keeper Yassine Bounou taking the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize for a third consecutive time, following her recent transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League.

Cape Verde’s Bubista was honoured as Coach of the Year after guiding the small island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance, set to take place next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

--IANS

ab/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So inspiring to see him acknowledge all the people who believed in him since childhood. This is what true sportsmanship looks like! 🇲🇦
A
Arjun K
While Hakimi definitely deserves this, I feel Salah has been consistently brilliant for years. Sometimes these awards focus too much on recent achievements rather than overall contribution.
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Sarah B
The story about Cape Verde's coach is incredible! A small nation making their first World Cup - that's the real magic of football. Wishing them all the best! âš½
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Vikram M
First defender in 52 years to win this award - that's historic! Shows how underrated defensive players are in modern football. Well deserved recognition for Hakimi's incredible season with PSG.
M
Michael C
Great to see African football getting the recognition it deserves. The quality has improved so much over the years. Hakimi, Salah, Osimhen - all world class players making their continent proud!

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