Morocco’s right-back Achraf Hakimi has been honored with the title of the 2025 African Footballer of the Year during the prestigious Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards held in Rabat. This accolade marks a triumphant moment not only for Hakimi but also for Moroccan football, showcasing an impressive night filled with celebrations as the host nation received notable recognition for its talents.
At the age of 27, Hakimi triumphed over remarkable competitors, including Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. His stellar performance throughout the season played a crucial role in leading Paris St-Germain to secure the coveted French league title and to achieve a historic victory in the Champions League, marking the first time the club has lifted this esteemed trophy. This acknowledgment reflects not only Hakimi’s individual brilliance but also his influential contributions to the team’s successes, demonstrating his prowess on both domestic and international stages.
Having narrowly missed the top honors in the previous two years—2023 and 2024—Hakimi’s recognition as the African Footballer of the Year is significant. This milestone also makes him the first Moroccan player to receive this prestigious award since Mustapha Hadji’s victory in 1998, highlighting the rich legacy of Moroccan football and the emerging talents within the continent.
In addition to Hakimi’s triumph, another highlight of the ceremony was the crowning of Morocco’s own Ghizlane Chebbak as the African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Chebbak’s victory came as a surprise as she outperformed strong contenders like Nigerian captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow teammate Sanaa Mssoudy from the Atlas Lionesses. Her win underscores the growing recognition and importance of women’s football in Africa, serving as evidence of the remarkable potential and dedication present in the women’s game.
The process of selecting the award winners involves a comprehensive voting system that includes a panel of experts. This panel comprises members from Caf’s technical committee, along with a diverse range of African media professionals, coaches, and players. The inclusion of voices from various facets of the football community ensures that the awards are a true reflection of the individuals who make significant impacts in the sport.
Hakimi’s exceptional performances for both his national team and Paris St-Germain certainly positioned him as a deserving recipient of this accolade. His standout moment came when he scored the first goal in PSG’s remarkable 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Additionally, he was instrumental in his team’s triumphs in multiple competitions, including the UEFA Super Cup, the Coupe de France, and the French Super Cup. However, despite these successes, PSG faced disappointment in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea, adding a layer of narrative complexity to their season.
During his acceptance speech, Hakimi expressed immense gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s really an honour for me to win this prestigious trophy. This trophy is not just for me – it is for all the Africans that have dreams.” His heartfelt words resonate deeply with many aspiring young footballers across the continent, serving as a beacon of inspiration for those who strive to achieve greatness in their respective careers.
Nevertheless, Hakimi now finds himself facing a critical challenge as he works towards regaining fitness for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will take place on Moroccan soil. Earlier this month, he suffered an injury to his ankle ligaments during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, posing questions about his availability for the tournament. Despite this setback, Hakimi remains optimistic and dedicated to his recovery and his commitment to the national team.
As he took to the stage to accept his award, Hakimi made a concerted effort to hop up the steps without putting weight on his injured left foot. This display of determination symbolizes his commitment to both individual excellence and team success as Morocco looks to reclaim the continental title for the first time since 1976.
“We will do our best to win the Afcon trophy,” Hakimi declared with conviction, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the Moroccan national team. He publicly thanked his physiotherapists and those who have supported him during this challenging period, acknowledging their crucial role in his improvement. With his passion and resolve, Hakimi is poised to serve as an emblem of hope and resilience for countless fans and aspiring footballers who look up to his journey within the beautiful game.
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