Hakimi Secures Africa’s Top Men’s Award
Achraf Hakimi claims the 2025 African Footballer of the Year award in Rabat. The Morocco defender beats Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain. He helps his club win the French title and their first Champions League trophy. He becomes the first Moroccan winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Ghizlane Chebbak also delivers joy for the hosts. The Morocco captain wins the women’s award ahead of Rasheedat Ajibade and Sanaa Mssoudy. A panel of experts chooses the winners. The voters include members of Caf’s technical committee, African media professionals, players and coaches.
Hakimi Sets Clear Ambitions
Hakimi shines for Morocco and PSG throughout the season. He scores the opener in PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. His team also wins the Uefa Super Cup, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup. Their only setback comes with defeat in the Club World Cup final.
“It is a real honour to win this trophy,” Hakimi says during the ceremony. “This trophy belongs to all Africans with big dreams.”
He now fights to regain fitness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. He injures ankle ligaments earlier in the month against Bayern Munich. He climbs the stage carefully and avoids pressure on his left foot.
Hakimi remains central to Morocco’s hopes for the tournament. The team aims for its first continental title since 1976. “We will give everything to win the Afcon trophy,” he adds. He thanks his physios and his supporters for their help.
Chebbak Creates a Historic Moment
Ghizlane Chebbak becomes the first Moroccan woman to win the award since its creation in 2001. The 35-year-old leads the scoring charts at the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She also scores a spectacular goal in the final. Morocco loses 3-2 against Nigeria, and Ajibade enters the night as the favourite. She has been named player of the tournament as Nigeria secures its tenth continental crown.
“I feel extremely happy to receive this award,” Chebbak says. “It rewards many years of hard work.”
West Africa still enjoys success. Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie wins her third straight title as best women’s goalkeeper.
Coaches and Young Stars Celebrate
The evening also honours leading figures in African football. Bubista earns the men’s coach of the year prize. He guides Cape Verde to their first-ever qualification for the 2026 World Cup. “This feels incredible,” the 55-year-old says. “We are a small nation with a big heart.”
Othmane Maamma wins the men’s young player award. The midfielder impresses during Morocco’s U20 World Cup triumph. “We built a team capable of winning the World Cup,” he says. “I feel deep gratitude.”
Three East African leaders also receive recognition. Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni earn outstanding achievement awards. Their nations co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship. They now prepare to stage the 2027 Afcon.
Full List of the 2025 Award Winners
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 & 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
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: Clement Mzize for Young Africans vs TP Mazembe
Further awards, including the women’s coach of the year and women’s club of the year, will be announced after the end of the 2025 Women’s African Champions League.
