On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the city of Rabat, Morocco, played host to a historic night in African football as Achraf Hakimi was officially named the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year. The prestigious ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, saw the Paris Saint-Germain right-back overcome formidable competition from two previous winners, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, to claim the continent’s most coveted individual prize. Hakimi’s victory ended a 27-year wait for Morocco, making him the first player from the nation to win the award since the legendary Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and remarkably, the first defender to win the men’s prize since Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.
A Historic Treble and Continental Dominance
The accolade serves as the crowning jewel for what was an utterly sensational year for the 27-year-old Atlas Lion. His performances were instrumental in a magnificent club season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping the French giants secure a historic treble that included the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and, most notably, the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. Beyond the team honours, Hakimi’s individual statistics were staggering, delivering 11 goals and 16 assists in all competitions, solidifying his reputation as arguably the most decisive attacking full-back in world football. His relentless energy and technical brilliance on the flank made him an undisputed key player for his club.
A Powerful Dedication to the Youth
Upon receiving the award, Hakimi delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech, dedicating his triumph to the entire continent and his homeland. Expressing deep pride, he remarked, “Alhamdulillah… It is a great honour to be here with you. Winning this prestigious African award fills me with pride.” He then delivered a powerful message of hope to the next generation of players, stating: “This trophy is not mine alone—it belongs to every Moroccan child dreaming of standing here one day.” He also paid tribute to the ongoing progress of football in the kingdom, giving special thanks to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, and national team coach Walid Regragui for their belief in him.
Inspiration and The Atlas Lions’ Dream
Achraf Hakimi’s achievement in 2025 is more than a personal milestone; it is a profound source of inspiration across Morocco and the African continent. His success at the highest level of club football, coupled with his leadership role in securing Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marks him as a true icon of modern African sport. In his speech, he acknowledged the collective ambition of the Moroccan team, stating, “We will do everything we can—our biggest dream is to win the Africa Cup of Nations.” This collective dream, now buoyed by the recognition of their star player, sets a powerful tone for their upcoming challenges.
Setting a New Benchmark for Defenders
Hakimi’s victory marks a significant shift, returning the top honour to a defensive player after decades of being dominated by forwards and midfielders. His ability to redefine the right-back position as both a defensive stalwart and a premier creative force set him apart in the 2025 voting. The Confederation of African Football, through its panel of coaches, captains, and journalists, recognized a complete player whose influence stretches across the entire pitch. Achraf Hakimi’s crowning is a well-deserved recognition of his consistent excellence and trailblazing impact, solidifying his legacy as one of Africa’s all-time greatest footballing talents.
