Achraf Hakimi has been named this year’s African Footballer of the Year.
At the ceremony held in Rabat, the 27-year-old Moroccan star had celebrated a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning both the French League title and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen also made it to the final shortlist but finished behind Hakimi. With this achievement, Hakimi became the first Moroccan player to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
After receiving the award, Hakimi said:
“It is truly an honour to win this prestigious trophy. This award is not only for me — it is for all Africans who have dreams.”
Due to his current injury, Hakimi was careful not to put weight on his left foot while climbing the steps to receive his award.
“We will do our best to win the AFCON trophy,” he added. “I want to thank my physiotherapists and everyone who has supported me during this difficult period.”
In women’s football, another Moroccan star — national team captain Ghizlane Chebbak — was named African Women’s Footballer of the Year. She beat Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and her teammate Sanaa Mssoudy to claim the award.
The Coach of the Year award went to Bubista, who guided Cape Verde to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
2025 CAF Awards Winners
Men’s Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)
Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlaine Chebbak (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde)
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion & Nigeria)
Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco U20
Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids (Egypt)
Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)
Men’s Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)
Goal of the Year (fan vote): Clement Mzize (Young Africans vs TP Mazembe)