Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Men’s Player of the Year, finishing ahead of former winners Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah.
Hakimi becomes the first Moroccan to win the prestigious award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and the first defender to be crowned Africa’s best player since TP Mazembe’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.
The right-back was pivotal for both club and country this season. At PSG, he played a key role in securing the treble—winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the club’s first UEFA Champions League title.
In the Champions League final against his former club Inter Milan, Hakimi opened the scoring in a dominant 5-0 victory. He also helped PSG reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, where they fell 3-0 to Chelsea.
For Morocco, Hakimi was central to the Atlas Lions’ qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup, although injury concerns now cast doubt over his participation in this year’s AFCON on home soil.
Quick Facts: Achraf Hakimi – CAF African Men’s Player of the Year 2025
Winner: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
CAF Award: African Men’s Player of the Year 2025
Notable Runners-Up: Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah
Historic Notes
First Moroccan to win since Mustapha Hadji (1998)
First defender to win since Bwanga Tshimen (1973)
Club Achievements (2024–25 Season)
Ligue 1 Champion (PSG)
French Cup Winner (PSG)
UEFA Champions League Winner (PSG) — scored in the 5-0 final vs Inter Milan
FIFA Club World Cup Runner-Up (lost 3-0 to Chelsea)
International Achievements
Helped Morocco qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Current Concern
Injury may affect participation in AFCON 2025 in Morocco
