Achraf Hakimi has been voted the African men’s player of the year after a standout season that saw him lift the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain. The Morocco captain, now 27, added a fourth Ligue 1 title, the French Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to his achievements, rounding off one of the most decorated years of his career. His only setback came in the Club World Cup final, where PSG finished as runners-up despite a strong run in New York.
What Made Hakimi’s Season Strong Enough to Win the Award?
Hakimi’s consistency and influence across all competitions placed him ahead of two former winners, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. Securing the award for the first time marks a major milestone for the right-back, whose performances have made him one of the most impactful African players in Europe.
During the ceremony, Hakimi expressed his pride and gratitude. “It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” he said, acknowledging the people who supported his journey. He also highlighted the inspiration behind his success. “This trophy, it’s not just for me, it’s for all the strong men and women that have dreams in Africa and those that dream of becoming footballers.”
Hakimi is currently recovering from a severely sprained ankle but is expected to lead Morocco when they host the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21. The team aims to end a long wait for continental glory, having last won the tournament in 1976.
Which Other Stars Won Big on the Continent’s Biggest Awards Night?
Morocco dominated the evening. Ghizlane Chebbak won the award for the best women’s player on the continent, beating Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak was the leading scorer in this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, though her team fell to Nigeria in the final.
Yassine Bounou claimed the best men’s goalkeeper award, while Morocco’s under-20 World Cup-winning team secured the best men’s national team honor. Rising talent was also recognized, with Watford’s 20-year-old Othmane Maamma winning best young men’s player and Doha El Madani retaining her title as best young women’s player.
Cape Verde’s Bubista earned men’s coach of the year after steering the small island nation of 525,000 people to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. In the women’s category, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie secured her third consecutive women’s goalkeeper of the year award.
By Yockshard Enyendi