Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been named African Men’s Player of the Year, capping a remarkable campaign in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 27-year-old added a fourth Ligue 1 title, the French Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to his haul last season, though PSG were denied Club World Cup glory after finishing runners-up in New York.
Hakimi beat previous winners Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to claim the award for the first time in his career.
“It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said, thanking his family, teammates and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
Currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain, Hakimi is expected to captain hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December as they chase their first continental title since 1976.
It was a triumphant night for Morocco across the awards:
– Ghizlane Chebbak was named African Women’s Player of the Year after finishing as top scorer at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
– Yassine Bounou claimed the men’s goalkeeper award.
– The country’s U20 World Cup-winning team was voted best men’s national side.
– Watford’s 20-year-old Othmane Maamma won best young men’s player, while Doha El Madani retained the women’s equivalent.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde coach Bubista was honoured as Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding the nation of just over 500,000 people to a place at the 2026 World Cup, while Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won a third straight women’s goalkeeper award.
