Achraf Hakimi capped off a truly exceptional year by winning the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, headlining a historic night in Rabat as Morocco swept multiple top honours at the CAF Awards 2025. The star-studded ceremony brought together African football legends, current superstars, and senior officials to celebrate the continent’s best performers.
In an emotional and inspiring acceptance speech, Hakimi dedicated the award to young African dreamers.
“It’s really an honour for me to win this prestigious trophy. This trophy is not just for me — it is for all Africans who have dreams,” he said, calling it a prize shared with “children who dream to become football players in the world.”
Hakimi’s rise in 2025 was nothing short of sensational. With Paris Saint-Germain, he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, French Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, and also finished as a finalist in the FIFA Club World Cup. The defender thanked everyone who had supported him since childhood, offering special appreciation to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his long-term investment in Morocco’s sports infrastructure. He also expressed gratitude to PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, his teammates, national team staff, and the many trainers and physiotherapists who helped him recover from injuries.
Hakimi congratulated compatriot Yassine Bounou for winning CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and assured Moroccan fans that he remains committed to giving his best—especially in the pursuit of the AFCON trophy.
His win was historic: Hakimi became the first defender to win Africa’s top individual award since Bwanga Tshimen in 1973, and the first Moroccan to lift the trophy since Mustapha Hadji in 1998. He beat Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen to claim the continent’s top honour.
Morocco’s Golden Night
Morocco dominated nearly every major category:
Ghizlane Chebbak was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan woman to win the award. Chebbak shone at the 2025 WAFCON and plays for Al-Hilal.
Yassine Bounou added to the celebration by winning CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Othmane Maamma won Men’s Young Player of the Year.
Doha El Madani claimed Women’s Young Player of the Year.
The Morocco U-20 team, crowned champions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, was named Men’s National Team of the Year.
Other Big Winners Across Africa
It wasn’t only Morocco in the spotlight. Other African talents and teams also shone:
Bubista (Cape Verde) won CAF Men’s Coach of the Year, following Cape Verde’s historic first-ever World Cup qualification.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria) retained her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
The Nigeria Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year.
Pyramids FC (Egypt) took home Men’s Club of the Year, strengthened by Fiston Mayele’s outstanding performances, which also earned him Men’s Interclub Player of the Year.
Clement Mzize (Tanzania) won the Goal of the Year award for his long-range CAF Champions League strike — the only category voted for by fans.
A Night That Highlighted Africa’s Growing Global Footprint
The CAF Awards 2025 showcased Africa’s rising influence in world football, with Morocco standing at the forefront after an unforgettable night of victories. From individual brilliance to national team triumphs, the ceremony reflected a continent whose talent continues to captivate the global stage.
