Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has been crowned African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony in Rabat.
The 27‑year‑old Paris Saint‑Germain star beat Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen after helping PSG to the French league title and their maiden Champions League trophy.
Hakimi, who missed out in 2023 and 2024, becomes the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi’s performances for PSG were decisive. He scored the opener in PSG’s 5‑0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
His side also won the UEFA Super Cup, Coupe de France, and French Super Cup, though they lost to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
“This trophy is for all Africans who have dreams.” Hakimi said, lifting the cup before a jubilant crowd in Rabat.
Hakimi also reflected on his victory: “It is a real honor for me to win this prestigious trophy. This trophy is not only for me – it is for all Africans who have dreams.”
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year, beating Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade to the top honour at the 2025 CAF Awards held on Wednesday night in Rabat.
The midfield star clinched the award after a remarkable year marked by standout performances, steady leadership, and consistent excellence for both club and country.
Chebbak was central to Morocco’s strong international outings and delivered commanding displays throughout the season at club level.
Ajibade, who finished as runner-up, also enjoyed a stellar year with the Super Falcons and French side PSG. Her performances were key to Nigeria securing a record 10th WAFCON title, cementing her place among Africa’s best.
Chebbak’s latest accolade adds another landmark achievement to her career and highlights Morocco’s growing influence in women’s football, driven by sustained investment and development efforts.
“I am extremely delighted to receive this award. This is the result of many years of hard work.” Chebbak said.
The winners were chosen by a panel of CAF technical committee members, African media professionals, players, and coaches.
Full List of Winners
Men’s Categories
- African Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / PSG) – Winner; Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool); Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / Galatasaray)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Al Hilal) – Winner; Munir Mohamedi (Morocco / RS Berkane); Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (DR Congo / Pyramids) – Winner; Mohamed Chibi (Morocco / Pyramids); Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco / RS Berkane)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde) – Winner; Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U‑20); Walid Regragui (Morocco)
- Young African Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Morocco / Watford) – Winner; Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco / Ajax); Tylon Smith (South Africa / QPR)
- Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco U‑20 – Winner; Cape Verde; Morocco
- Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids FC – Winner; Mamelodi Sundowns; RS Berkane
Women’s Categories
- African Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco / Al Hilal) – Winner; Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / PSG); Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Brighton) – Winner; Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Sundowns); Khadija Er‑Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR)
- Young African Women’s Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR) – Winner; Shakirat Abidemi Moshood (Nigeria / Bayelsa Queens); Adji Ndiaye (Senegal / AS Bambey)
- Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria – Winner; Ghana; Morocco
Nigeria’s Strong Showing
Nigeria did not leave empty‑handed. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnaedozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time.
She beat South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er‑Rmichi.
Nigeria also claimed the Women’s National Team of the Year award, underlining the Super Falcons’ dominance on the continent.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons was also crowned Women’s Team of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, held Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco.
The nine-time World Cup campaigners and record 10-time African champions earned the honour after their standout performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they clinched the title—also in Morocco.
Their commanding run through the tournament put them ahead of strong rivals such as Ghana’s Black Queens and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, reaffirming their place as the continent’s most successful women’s national side.
The award adds yet another chapter to the Falcons’ enduring legacy, spotlighting their consistency, resilience, and impact on women’s football across Africa. It also marks CAF’s recognition of their sustained excellence on and off the field.
The Super Falcons, one of Nigeria’s most decorated teams, continue to inspire a new wave of female footballers across the continent, strengthening their status as a true powerhouse in the global women’s game.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
