PSG defender, Hakimi beats Osimhen and Salah to win African Player of the Year Award for 2025

Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Paris Saint-Germain star  beat Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen to become the first defender to win since former TP Mazembe and Zaire centre-back Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.

The defender is also the first Moroccan to claim Africa’s top player prize since midfielder Mustapha Hadji in 1998.

“It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award,” Hakimi said in his acceptance speech.

 “This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa.

“And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all.”

Hakimi capped off a remarkable 2025, winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, while also reaching the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

He also played a starring role as Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

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