By Ayomide Otitoju
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was named African Men’s Player of the Year on Wednesday, capping a stellar season that saw him lift the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The 27-year-old right-back also won his fourth Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup last season. However, PSG fell short in the Club World Cup final in New York, where Hakimi settled for a runners-up medal.
Hakimi edged out past winners Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to claim the prestigious accolade for the first time. “It’s really an honour for me to be here today, and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” he said, thanking his family, teammates, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
Currently sidelined with a severely sprained ankle, Hakimi is expected to lead host nation Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21, as they aim for their first title since 1976.
The ceremony was a triumphant day for Morocco. Ghizlane Chebbak was named African Women’s Player of the Year, defeating fellow countrywoman Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak finished as top scorer at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, although Morocco lost to Nigeria in the final.
Other Moroccan winners included goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the under-20 World Cup-winning men’s national team, Watford’s 20-year-old Othmane Maamma as Best Young Men’s Player, and Doha El Madani as Best Young Women’s Player.
Cape Verde’s coach Bubista was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the small island nation to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
