- Achraf Hakimi Crowned African Player Of The Year
- He beat Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to the top award.
- His performances for PSG and Morocco solidified his dominance in football.
Paris Saint-Germain and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 Men’s Player of the Year, securing the prestigious African Ballon d’Or at the CAF Awards ceremony held on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Hakimi clinched the top honour ahead of Liverpool and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray. His win brings an end to Ademola Lookman’s reign as the continent’s best player. The PSG star had previously finished as runner-up for two consecutive years.
The award marks a defining milestone in Hakimi’s career, following an exceptional period in both club and international football. His standout performances for Morocco continue to attract global recognition, particularly after the Atlas Lions’ remarkable run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals.
Hakimi’s impact extends across Europe’s top leagues, where he currently holds the record for the highest number of goal contributions by a defender, with 30 in total. During the same period, only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk completed more successful passes among all defenders.
Last season, the Moroccan full-back was instrumental in PSG’s success, helping the club secure the French Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and their first UEFA Champions League trophy. Analysts say his blend of pace, accuracy and relentless work ethic has redefined the modern role of a full-back in world football.
Hakimi’s latest achievement cements his status as one of Africa’s brightest stars and a dominant figure shaping the future of the sport.
