Sports
CAF 2025: Hakimi Wins African Player Award over Salah, Osimhen
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi won the African Men’s Player of the Year award on Wednesday, capping a stellar season in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 27-year-old also secured his fourth Ligue 1 title last season, along with the French Cup and UEFA Super Cup, although PSG finished runners-up in the Club World Cup final in New York.
Hakimi beat two past winners—Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen—to claim the prize for the first time in his career.
“It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said, before thanking his family, teammates, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
Currently nursing a severely sprained ankle, Hakimi is expected to lead hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21, as the team seeks its first title since 1976.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the award for the best women’s player on the continent, beating fellow countrywoman Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade.
The Al Hilal attacker was the leading scorer in this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, although her side lost to Nigeria in the final.
It was a memorable day for host country Morocco, as Yassine Bounou won the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award, and the Moroccan under-20 World Cup-winning side was voted Best Men’s National Team.
Watford 20-year-old Othmane Maamma of Morocco won Best Young Men’s Player, while compatriot Doha El Madani retained her title as Best Young Women’s Player.
Cape Verde coach Bubista was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the nation to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
