Hakimi beat the Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, and the Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, to the prestigious honour.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender, Achraf Hakimi, has been crowned the African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
He was named as the winner on Wednesday night during the glittering CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco.
The right-back beat Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah, and Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
This is Hakimi’s first time winning the award after finishing as runner-up for two consecutive years. The win caps an exceptional season for both club and country.
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He was selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.
Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, where he helped the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. He also placed sixth in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings.
A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing six goals and four assists in Ligue 1 and five goals and four assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.
His stellar performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and the CAF Team of the Year.
Although currently injured, Hakimi was spotted arriving for Monday’s awards ceremony with his foot heavily strapped..
