By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@CAF.
Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in capital Rabat.
The 27-year-old beat Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen after helping club side Paris St-Germain to the French title and a maiden Champions League trophy.
Hakimi, who missed out on the top spot in 2023 and 2024, became the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
“It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said, before thanking his family, teammates and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
Hakimi is currently nursing a severely sprained ankle but, if fit, will lead hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December as they seek to win the competition for the first time since 1976.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the prize for the best women’s player on the continent, beating out fellow countrywoman Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade.
Watford 20-year-old Othmane Maamma of Morocco claimed best young men’s player, while compatriot Doha El Madani retained the title of best young women’s player.
Cape Verde boss Bubista was awarded men’s coach of the year after leading the nation with a population of 525 000 to a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigerian shotstopper Chiamaka Nnadozie won her third consecutive women’s goalkeeper of the year award.
Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni were all handed outstanding achievement awards after their nations co-hosted the 2024 African Nations Championship in August.
The East African trio are set to stage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
2025 Caf Awards winners
Men’s Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)
Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlaine 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 (voted for by fans): Clement Mzize for Young Africans vs TP Mazembe.