Hakimi claims 2025 African football’s top honor
Achraf Hakimi has added one of African football’s most prestigious distinctions to his résumé, earning the 2025 African Player of the Year award. The news surfaced Tuesday after football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared the result on social media.
A season that shifted momentum
Hakimi’s win crowns a standout campaign for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, where his consistency on the right flank has become central to each side’s structure.
While the award is issued annually by the Confederation of African Football, early word of the outcome circulated through Romano’s reporting, which noted Hakimi’s performances had placed him ahead of the other finalists.
According to Romano, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen rounded out the shortlist.
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Both enjoyed productive seasons in Europe’s top leagues, maintaining pressure throughout the voting period and reinforcing Africa’s influence across world football.
Why the recognition matters
Hakimi’s rise over the past several years has made him a symbol of Moroccan football’s resurgence on the international stage.
His blend of defensive discipline and attacking urgency has drawn admiration across North Africa, where supporters have followed his progression closely since the 2022 World Cup.
For Salah and Osimhen, inclusion among the final three again highlights the steady output of African forwards competing at the highest levels.
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Their presence in the race reflects how competitive the award has become, even as defenders like Hakimi push their way into the discussion.
Reaction and next steps
News of Hakimi’s win prompted swift reaction online, with fans and analysts echoing praise for a season that seemed to strengthen his place among the continent’s elite footballers.
Romano’s post did not mention details of the ceremony or formal statements from CAF, but confirmation of the result alone was enough to set off early celebrations among Moroccan supporters.
Sources: Fabrizio Romano; CAF Awards background information
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