Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Ballon d’Or winner at the CAF Awards ceremony held on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco. The honour, which recognises the Men’s Player of the Year on the continent, solidifies Hakimi’s status as one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers.
Hakimi beat two major contenders for the top prize: Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray. He takes over from Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, who won the award in 2024.
This is Hakimi’s first time lifting the award after finishing as runner-up for two consecutive years, a period during which he consistently impressed for both club and country. His victory has been widely celebrated by football followers who see it as a natural progression in his career.
Hakimi’s influence on African and world football has grown steadily. He was a central figure in Morocco’s groundbreaking performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions made history as the first African and Arab team to reach the semi finals. His composure, speed, and tactical intelligence earned him global praise throughout the tournament.
Beyond his international achievements, Hakimi has enjoyed remarkable success in club football. He currently holds the record for the most goal contributions by a defender across Europe’s top five leagues, amassing 30 contributions in the last cycle. In addition, only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk completed more successful passes among defenders during the same period, highlighting Hakimi’s versatility and playmaking ability.
In the 2024/2025 season, Hakimi played an instrumental role in Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance. He helped the French giants secure the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and their first ever UEFA Champions League triumph, marking a historic milestone for the club. His performances in domestic and European competitions have strengthened his reputation as one of the best right-backs in modern football.
Hakimi’s win at the 2025 CAF Awards is expected to inspire a new generation of African players and further elevate Morocco’s standing on the world football stage.

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