Achraf Hakimi, a right-back from Morocco, has been recognized as the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards held in Rabat, marking a triumphant evening for the host country.

The 27-year-old triumphed over notable contenders such as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen after aiding Paris St-Germain in clinching the French championship and achieving their inaugural Champions League win.

Hakimi’s achievement marks him as the first Moroccan to earn this accolade since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, after finishing runner-up in 2023 and 2024.

In a parallel victory, Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak secured the women’s award, unexpectedly besting Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and her teammate Sanaa Mssoudy.

Selection of the winners was conducted by a panel of experts, consisting of Caf’s technical committee members along with African media representatives, players, and coaches.

Hakimi’s selection as the award winner comes in light of his impressive performance for both his national team and Paris St-Germain, highlighted by his goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

His team also secured the UEFA Super Cup, French Cup, and French Super Cup during the previous season, although they faced defeat against Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final.

“Winning this prestigious award is truly an honor for me,” Hakimi stated. “This award is not solely mine, but belongs to all Africans with dreams.”

However, the defender is currently working against time to recover from ankle ligament injuries sustained earlier in the month during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

Hakimi ascended the stage to receive his award from Caf president Patrice Motsepe and FIFA president Gianni Infantino while carefully avoiding putting pressure on his injured left foot.

He is actively participating in promoting this year’s tournament as Morocco seeks to claim the continental title for the first time since 1976.

“We will do our utmost to win the Afcon trophy,” Hakimi added. “I extend my gratitude to my physiotherapists and all those supporting me during this challenging time.”

Chebbak made history by becoming the first Moroccan to win the women’s award, which was established in 2001.

The 35-year-old midfielder emerged as the top scorer during this year’s delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, including a remarkable goal in the championship match.

Despite her efforts, the Atlas Lionesses were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Nigeria, with Ajibade favored to win the award after being named player of the tournament as the Super Falcons secured their tenth continental title.

“I am incredibly thrilled to accept this award,” Chebbak remarked. “It represents the culmination of many years of hard work.”

West African success continued as Brighton’s Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the best goalkeeper for the third consecutive year.

During the awards ceremony in the Moroccan capital, Bubista received the accolade for Men’s Coach of the Year after leading Cape Verde to their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“This is remarkable,” the 55-year-old expressed. “Though we are a small nation, we possess a tremendous spirit.”

In addition, Watford’s Othmane Maamma was awarded the Men’s Young Player of the Year, after winning the golden ball for Morocco’s victorious Under-20 World Cup campaign.

“We built a team capable of winning the World Cup, and it fills me with immense pride,” said the 20-year-old midfielder, clearly emotional. “I have numerous people to thank.”

Recognition for outstanding achievement was also given to Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who were rewarded for co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship in August.

The East African nations are set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Men’s Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)

Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlane Chebbak (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

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

Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion & Nigeria)

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

Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids (Egypt)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)

Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)

Goal of the Year (selected by fans): Clement Mzize for Young Africans vs TP Mazembe.

Details regarding the women’s coach of the year, interclub player, and club of the year will be announced following the ongoing 2025 Women’s African Champions League.