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Achraf Hakimi clinched the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award in a glittering ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco, on November 19, 2025. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back edged out Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual honour.
Highlight Of The Night
Hakimi delivered an outstanding season with club and country. He played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic Champions League triumph, scoring the opener in their 5-0 final rout of Inter Milan. His explosive runs, defensive solidity, and leadership helped complete a domestic quadruple.
The 27-year-old became the first defender to win the award since 1973. He also marked the first Moroccan victor in decades, ending years of near misses after finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2024. Despite a recent ankle injury, Hakimi hopped onto the stage to collect his trophy from CAF president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino.
Morocco enjoyed a golden night on home soil. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak claimed Women’s Player of the Year, while Yassine Bounou took Men’s Goalkeeper honours.
Nnadozie’s Award Three-peat
Nigeria celebrated major success too. Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time. The 24-year-old Super Falcons captain produced heroic saves throughout the season and delivered commanding performances in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Nnadozie’s consistency proved unmatched. She kept numerous clean sheets for club and country, earning global recognition after finishing fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or women’s goalkeeper rankings. Her trophy haul underlined Nigeria’s strength in women’s football.
The Super Falcons also claimed Women’s National Team of the Year. They showcased dominance across continental qualifiers.
Fans erupted in celebration across Africa. Social media buzzed with pride for Hakimi’s historic win and Nnadozie’s unstoppable run. Moroccan supporters flooded the streets of Rabat, while Nigerians hailed their goalkeeper’s three-peat.
Hakimi dedicated his award to Morocco ahead of hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He vowed to recover quickly from injury and lead the Atlas Lions to glory.
Nnadozie expressed gratitude to her teammates and coaches. She pledged to continue raising the bar for African goalkeepers.
