Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi was on Wednesday named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after an exceptional season for both club and country.
He emerged the best defender since 1973 to win the award.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back claimed the award for the first time, selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.
Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, helping the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. He also placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 and 5 goals with 4 assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.
His performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and the CAF Team of the Year.
The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
It was a big night for the hosts as Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was named the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for 2025, capping a stellar year for the 35-year-old forward.
Chebbak claimed the honour ahead of Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow Moroccan Sanna Mssoudy.
She shone during the WAFCON tournament, winning the Golden Boot with five goals and earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Her consistent performances also secured her inclusion in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Ajibade captained the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, was named Player of the Tournament, featured in the Team of the Year, and made a high-profile move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Super Falcons’ Goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie was voted the best keeper in the year under review ( 2025) just as Nigeria won the best national women’s team award courtesy of the Super Falcons, current African champions.
