Moroccan Ashraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain player, won the 2025 African Footballer of the Year award, beating Egypt's Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) at a ceremony in Rabat, Morocco. Hakimi captained Morocco to the UEFA Champions League title with PSG—the club’s first—and also won the French Ligue 1, French Cup, and European Super Cup this season.
Hakimi became the first defender in 52 years and the first Moroccan since midfielder Mustapha Hadji in 1998 to win the award. The prize ceremony was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and PSG Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Morocco dominated the awards, with goalkeeper Yassine Bono (Al Hilal) winning best male goalkeeper, Morocco named best men's national team (including the under-20s), and Moroccan players winning best young player and best female player categories. Douha Al Madani (Royal Army Club) won best young female player for the second consecutive time, while Othman M'Bama (Watford) got best young male player. Papiste, coach of Cape Verde, won best coach after leading his team to World Cup 2026 qualification.
Morocco’s football achievements and recognition at CAF 2025 mark a strong presence for the nation on the African football stage.
