The Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosted its annual awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, where Hakimi was announced as the winner of the continent’s highest individual football honor. His victory ends a 27-year wait for Morocco, with the last recipient from the country being Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Hakimi’s recognition comes after an extraordinary season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 27-year-old full-back played a central role in PSG’s historic campaign, helping the French giants secure a quadruple — winning the Ligue 1 title, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions. His contributions were not limited to defensive solidity; Hakimi also showcased his attacking prowess, recording 11 goals and 8 assists across all competitions. His consistency and versatility made him one of the most influential players in Europe last season.
The Moroccan star edged out strong competition from Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, both of whom were considered frontrunners for the award. Hakimi’s triumph is particularly significant as defenders rarely win the CAF Player of the Year, a prize often dominated by attacking players. His success highlights the growing recognition of defensive excellence in modern football.
Hakimi’s stellar performances also earned him global acclaim, with a top-10 finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest-ever placement for a Moroccan player. This achievement further cements his reputation as one of Africa’s finest exports to European football.
For Morocco, Hakimi’s victory is a source of immense pride, reaffirming the nation’s rising influence in African football. For PSG, it marks the club’s first-ever CAF Player of the Year award, underscoring its growing footprint in the global game. Analysts believe Hakimi’s win will inspire a new generation of African defenders to aim for continental and global recognition.
