Credit: IMAGO / Jan Huebner

Achraf Hakimi Wins 2025 African Footballer of the Year As Morocco Dominates CAF Awards Night in Rabat

Credit: IMAGO / Jan Huebner

Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, delivering a historic moment for Morocco during a memorable CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat. The PSG right-back beat Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to the continent’s top individual honour. Notably, Hakimi became the first Moroccan winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.

The 27-year-old earned the award after a standout season for both club and country. Hakimi scored the opening goal in PSG’s stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. He also lifted the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, French Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup as part of a dominant campaign.

Hakimi edged past Salah and Osimhen after two consecutive years finishing short of the award. But the celebration came with concern for Morocco fans. Hakimi accepted the trophy while protecting his injured ankle. The marauding right-back now faces a race against time to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

🚨🌍 BREAKING: Achraf Hakimi wins African Player of the Year Award for 2025! 🇲🇦

Excellent season for PSG and Morocco right back who beats finalists Mo Salah and Victor Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/YofMOlqMZa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2025

“It’s an honour to win this trophy,” Hakimi said. “It’s not just for me – it’s for all Africans who have dreams.”

The defender injured his ankle ligaments earlier this month in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. Despite the setback, he made his way on the stage with visible discomfort. He was greeted by CAF president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino.

“We will do our best to win the Afcon trophy,” Hakimi added. “I thank my physiotherapists and everyone supporting me in this difficult period.”

A recognition that crowns years of hard work, success, and unforgettable moments.

My gratitude goes to my family, my teammates, and everyone who works with me every day, on and off the field. Your trust, dedication, and support make me stronger and allow me to grow.

Thank you… pic.twitter.com/ZssdnZ2T55
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) November 19, 2025

Also Read: Scotland Captain Andy Robertson Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota After Historic World Cup Qualification

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak Wins Women’s Player of the Year

Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak delivered one of the surprises of the night by winning the women’s African Player of the Year award. She beat Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and teammate Sanaa Mssoudy. Chebbak became the first Moroccan woman to win the award since it was created in 2001.

The 35-year-old midfielder finished as the top scorer at the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and scored a spectacular goal in the final. Despite Morocco losing 3-2 to Nigeria, her overall impact across the tournament impressed voters.

Heart, talent, impact. Never unnoticed.

For giving her all, Ghizlane Chebbak is the Women’s Player of the Year. 🌟🇲🇦#CAFAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/kYSSHtdsi5
— CAF (@CAF_Online) November 19, 2025

Earlier, Bubista was named men’s coach of the year after guiding Cape Verde to a historic qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Winners across all categories are decided by a panel of CAF technical committee members, journalists, coaches and players.

Also Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Draw: Date, Pots, Format and How To Watch

2025 CAF Awards Winners

Men’s Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)

Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlaine Chebbak (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde)

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion & Nigeria)

Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco Under-20

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids (Egypt)

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)

Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)

Goal of the Year (voted for by fans): Clement Mzize for Young Africans vs TP Mazembe.

Achraf Hakimi

CAF

Ghizlane Chebbak

Morocco

PSG

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.