By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Hakimi Wins African Player of the Year Ahead of Salah and Osimhen
Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the African Men’s Player of the Year, finishing ahead of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to claim the continent’s top individual award.
Hakimi earned the honour after a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, won another Ligue 1 title, and added both the French Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to his achievements.
PSG’s only major setback came in the Club World Cup final, where the French side finished as runners-up in New York.
Accepting the award, the 27-year-old full-back thanked his family, teammates and Morocco’s national team coach, saying the recognition was a moment of pride not just for him but for Africa’s next generation of footballers.
Hakimi is recovering from an ankle injury but is expected to feature for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations beginning December 21, as the Atlas Lions seek their first continental title since 1976.
Hakimi’s victory highlights Morocco’s growing strength in African football, following years of investment in youth development and domestic structures. This year’s awards ceremony showcased that progress:
Ghizlane Chebbak won the Women’s Player of the Year title, Yassine Bounou was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and Morocco’s Under-20 World Cup–winning team earned the Best Men’s National Team award.
Young talents also shone, with Othmane Maamma crowned Best Young Male Player and Doha El Madani retaining the Best Young Female Player award.
Cape Verde’s coach, Bubista, took home the Men’s Coach of the Year prize after guiding his nation to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification for 2026.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her dominance by winning the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third year in a row.
Hakimi’s latest honour cements his status as one of Africa’s most influential footballers, rounding off a season marked by both individual excellence and national pride.
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