Achraf Hakimi Crowned African Player Of The Year 2025

Achraf Hakimi has been officially crowned the African Player of the Year for 2025 after a season that pushed him far beyond the limits usually expected from a defender. His performances with Paris Saint Germain and his leadership with the Morocco national team brought him to the very top of African soccer. This recognition confirms his status as one of the most complete players of his generation, someone who has mastered both the defensive and attacking sides of the modern game. The award reflects a year full of great performances, remarkable consistency, and an influence that was felt in every major competition he played.

The year 2025 was unforgettable for Hakimi because he delivered extraordinary numbers in the French Ligue 1. He played 25 matches, scored 4 goals, and provided 6 assists. These contributions made him one of the most important players in the Paris Saint Germain squad as they continued their strong hold on the French championship. His speed and courage helped the team break through tough defenses while his intelligence and discipline protected the backline. He showed clearly that a full back in modern soccer can be both a creator and a defender without losing the balance required at the highest level.

His performances in the UEFA Champions League were even more impressive. Hakimi played 17 matches, scored 4 goals, and delivered 5 assists. These numbers are extremely rare for a defender in Europe’s biggest club competition. Every match highlighted how much responsibility he carried on both sides of the pitch. He helped Paris Saint Germain secure 7 clean sheets and he blocked 11 important shots. His ability to defend with discipline and then quickly join the attack made him one of the most feared right backs in Europe that season. His consistency was rewarded when he was named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, which is one of the most respected recognitions in world soccer.

Across all competitions, Hakimi played more than 3400 minutes in the 2024 season leading into the 2025 period and contributed a total of 11 goals and 15 assists. He also played a major role in helping his team keep 10 clean sheets. These contributions made him a pillar of the team and one of the most reliable players in every match. Paris Saint Germain trusted him to carry both defensive and attacking responsibilities, and he delivered with maturity and confidence.

The trophies he lifted during this period made his award even more deserved. With Paris Saint Germain, Hakimi won the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, the Trophee des Champions, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. These achievements created one of the most successful seasons in the history of the club. The Champions League win was especially emotional because it placed Hakimi among the most respected players in Europe and underlined the growth he has shown since the beginning of his career.

Individually, Hakimi had already been considered a leading candidate for the African Player of the Year 2025. He was shortlisted for the award after months of excellent performances and he had also won the African Lion d Or 2025 which celebrated his influence and consistency. His name appeared constantly in discussions about the best players in both Europe and Africa and many experts believed that no African player had contributed more to their team in the year 2025. When he was finally announced as the winner of the African Player of the Year, celebrations spread across Morocco and across the continent.

Hakimi’s triumph represents far more than a personal achievement. It reflects the increasing strength of African soccer and the growing impact African players have in global competitions. Young players across the continent look at Hakimi as a symbol of possibility and hope. His journey shows that discipline, talent, and determination can take any player to the top levels of world soccer. His story continues to inspire many because he has turned his potential into excellence through years of hard work.

To complete this impressive story, here is the full list of the CAF Award winners for 2025 exactly as they were announced.

African Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and Paris Saint Germain
Second Place: Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool
Third Place: Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Galatasaray

Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bounou of Morocco and Al Hilal, Munir Mohamedi of Morocco and RS Berkane, and Ronwen Williams of South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns

Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele of DR Congo and Pyramids
Nominees: Mohamed Chibi of Morocco and Pyramids, Oussama Lamlioui of Morocco and RS Berkane

Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista of Cape Verde

Young African Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma of Morocco and Watford

Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco Under 20

Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids FC

Women’s Categories

African Women’s Player of the Year: Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria and Paris Saint Germain
Nominees: Ghizlaine Chebbak of Morocco and Al Hilal, Sanaa Mssoudy of Morocco and AS FAR

African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria and Brighton

Young African Women’s Player of the Year: Doha El Madani of Morocco and AS FAR

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

These awards help paint a full picture of African soccer in 2025, a year where Achraf Hakimi stood at the center with achievements that were historic, influential, and worthy of celebration across the entire continent.