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| Image: Achraf Hakimi's appearance at the CAF award |
Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has been officially named the 2025 CAF Men's Player of the Year. The 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain right-back is widely regarded as one of the best attacking defenders in the world. Born in Spain, Hakimi represents Morocco, where he is a national hero after his integral role in their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run, which captivated the continent. His triumph at the CAF Awards marks him as the first Moroccan player to receive the prestigious honour since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, ending a 27-year wait for the nation.
The awards ceremony, held in Rabat, Morocco, had a moment of notable human interest when Achraf Hakimi arrived wearing a traditional black selham. Due to a serious ankle sprain, he was seen arriving at the event on a scooter rather than a leg-guided machine. Despite the injury, the Moroccan star was all smiles as he greeted the crowd and posed for photos before accepting his continental award in front of his home fans and football dignitaries.
Hakimi secured the coveted prize by overcoming a strong field of contenders, including Egypt's forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen (now at Galatasaray). The award recognises a spectacular 2025 season for the defender. He was a cornerstone in Paris Saint-Germain's historic first-ever UEFA Champions League victory, in addition to winning the Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup. His success on both the club and international stage cemented his status as a key figure in modern football.
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