Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year, beating finalists Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah at the CAF Awards in Rabat. The Moroccan defender’s stellar season, including a Champions League triumph and Morocco’s World Cup qualification, secures his first win and the first for a defender in 52 years. Explore Hakimi’s journey, rivals’ campaigns, and reactions as Morocco dominates the night with a women’s award too.
RABAT, Morocco – In a night of Moroccan magic at the 2025 CAF Awards, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi claimed the African Player of the Year crown, edging out Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. The 27-year-old’s haul of major trophies with PSG and pivotal role in Morocco’s World Cup qualification propelled him to victory, marking the first win for a defender since 1973 and the first for a Moroccan since 1998. Hakimi, hobbling from a recent ankle injury, dedicated the honor to dreamers across the continent. (58 words)
Hakimi’s Banner Year: From PSG Treble to World Cup Glory
Achraf Hakimi’s 2025 was a masterclass in versatility and impact, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair that caught the eye of voters. At PSG, the right-back was instrumental in a historic quadruple: Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and—most crucially—the club’s first UEFA Champions League title. In the final against Inter Milan, Hakimi scored the opener in a 5-0 rout, capping a season with 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. He earned spots in the Ligue 1 and Champions League teams of the season, plus the FIFPRO World XI alongside teammates like Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé.
Internationally, Hakimi captained Morocco’s Atlas Lions to a groundbreaking qualification for the 2026 World Cup—the first African nation to secure a spot—delivering three assists in the process. His efforts extended to a sixth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest ever for a Moroccan. Despite a ligament injury against Bayern Munich sidelining him until late December, Hakimi hopped onstage to collect the award from CAF president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino, symbolizing his resilience.
“This trophy is not just for me—it is for all the Africans that have dreams,” Hakimi said in his acceptance speech, thanking King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s sports infrastructure and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. As the first PSG player to win the award, Hakimi’s triumph underscores the club’s growing African influence.
Rivals in the Shadows: Osimhen and Salah’s Stellar but Snubbed Seasons
The race was tight, with Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah representing Nigeria and Egypt’s footballing might. Osimhen, the 2023 winner, mounted a comeback at Galatasaray after a turbulent Napoli stint. He netted crucial goals in the Turkish Super Lig and guided Nigeria to the World Cup play-off final, only to fall in a penalty shootout to DR Congo days before the awards. His hat-tricks and match-winning strikes earned third place, but voters favored Hakimi’s silverware haul over Osimhen’s individual brilliance.
Salah, a two-time past winner (2017, 2018), claimed second after a record-breaking Premier League campaign with Liverpool. Matching Thierry Henry’s four Golden Boots, he added Playmaker of the Season for most assists, plus PFA and FWA honors as the Reds clinched the title under Arne Slot. Salah captained Egypt to World Cup qualification as the second-highest scorer in CAF qualifiers and won Liverpool’s Players’ Player award. Yet, without major international trophies, he couldn’t topple Hakimi’s continental dominance.
- Key Stats from Finalists:
- Hakimi: 11 goals, 16 assists (club); 3 assists (Morocco WCQ); Champions League winner.
- Salah: 4th PL Golden Boot; Playmaker award; Egypt WCQ top scorer.
- Osimhen: Hat-trick heroics at Gala; Nigeria play-off finalist.
Voted by national team coaches and captains, the decision highlights a shift toward team success in CAF’s criteria.
Moroccan Double Delight: Chebbak’s Women’s Win and Other Honors
The awards doubled down on Moroccan pride, with Ghizlane Chebbak of Al-Hilal clinching the Women’s Player of the Year—her second straight title and the first for a Moroccan woman. She beat Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and teammate Sanaa Mssoudy, capping a year of Saudi Pro League dominance. Other Moroccan nods included Yassine Bounou as Best Goalkeeper.
Nigeria still shone, with Chiamaka Nnadozie securing a hat-trick of women’s awards (Goalkeeper, National Team, Club), while Ademola Lookman—last year’s men’s winner—took the Interclub Player nod. Bubista earned Coach of the Year for Petro de Luanda, and Clement Mzize’s stunning strike won fan-voted Goal of the Year.
- Major 2025 CAF Winners:
- Men’s Player: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG).
- Women’s Player: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco/Al-Hilal).
- Goalkeeper (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco/Al-Hilal).
- Young Player: Morad Al-Majid (Morocco/Raja Casablanca).
- Local Player: Ibrahim Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids FC).
The ceremony, held in Rabat with attendees like PSG’s Al-Khelaïfi and Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui, celebrated African football’s global rise.
Reactions Pour In: From X Buzz to Expert Praise
Social media erupted with congratulations for Hakimi, whose win trended worldwide. Fabrizio Romano’s post announcing the victory garnered over 144,000 likes, with fans hailing the “historic” defender’s edge over Salah and Osimhen. One X user posted: “Huge congratulations to Achraf Hakimi the 2025 African Player of the Year! A defender beating the odds, making history.” Videos of his speech and onstage hobble went viral, blending triumph with vulnerability.
Experts lauded the choice. BBC Sport noted Hakimi’s “complete season,” while Al Jazeera called it a “landmark for defenders.” Osimhen’s camp expressed disappointment but focus on the pitch, per reports. Salah, ever gracious, congratulated Hakimi on Instagram. Nigerian outlets like Soccernet NG highlighted the “worthy competition” but lamented Osimhen’s third place, fueling debates on voter biases.
On X, reactions mixed celebration and banter: “Hakimi over Salah? UCL magic wins again,” quipped one thread, while another praised Morocco’s “double sweep.” The buzz extended to AFCON hype, with Hakimi vowing to return fit for Morocco’s home tournament starting December 21.
Looking Ahead: AFCON Stakes and Hakimi’s Recovery Race
Hakimi’s win arrives amid Morocco’s AFCON preparations, where the hosts aim to build on their 2022 World Cup semi-final run. His injury recovery—targeting a January return—looms large, but the award injects momentum. PSG fans eye his role in defending the Champions League, while Africa watches if this inspires more defensive stars.
The 2025 awards, covering performances from January to October, affirm CAF’s focus on holistic impact. As Hakimi eyes the 2026 World Cup, his story—from Madrid-born talent to African icon—embodies the continent’s football evolution.
In summary, Achraf Hakimi’s 2025 African Player of the Year triumph over Osimhen and Salah cements his elite status, rewarding a season of trophies and tenacity despite injury woes. As Morocco basks in dual glory, the award spotlights defensive excellence and continental dreams, setting the stage for an electric AFCON. Football’s future in Africa shines brighter. (52 words)
For full CAF Awards coverage, visit CAF’s official site.