Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 CAF Player of the Year Award, edging Victor Osimhen and Mo Salah, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old had an eventful 2024/2025 campaign for his club side, winning the French Ligue 1, Coupe de la Ligue, UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League titles.
He also played a crucial role as Luis Enrique’s side got to the final of the maiden 32-team FIFA Club World Cup tournament, but they lost the final to Chelsea.
Last season, the former Real Madrid defender wasn’t just solid at the back, but his availability and efficiency in attack aided PSG as he scored nine goals and provided 12 assists across all competitions for Le Parisien.
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“All glory to God, it’s really an honour for me to be here today,” the ex-Inter Milan full-back said in his speech after winning the CAF POTY Award.
“It’s a real pride for me to win this prestigious trophy in the African football world.
“This trophy is not just for me, it’s for all the Africans, the strong men and women who have dreams in Africa, and those who dream of becoming footballers.
“For those who always believed in me from when I was a kid till I became the player I am today, I say a big thank you.
“I’d also like to thank PSG’s President, Nasir Al-Khelafi, for his trust. It’s been five years since he signed me.
“I’d also like to thank my teammates for their help and their support, and by the grace of God, we’ll win the AFCON trophy next month.
“I’ll also thank my family, and my mother, she’s the most important person in my life, and those who are close to me, thank you,” Hakimi concluded.
Hakimi edges Salah and Osimhen
The PSG star has now usurped Ademola Lookman as the Best Player in Africa, but the other nominees in the category also put up a worthy competition.
Mohamed Salah hit a personal best record in goal contributions in the English Premier League last season.
The Egyptian King scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists as Arne Slot’s Liverpool claimed their 20th league title. He also won the League’s Golden Boot for the fourth time in his trophy-laden career.
Victor Osimhen also won the domestic double with Galatasaray in his debut season with the Cimbom Aslan.
He got into his groove very quickly in Turkey, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 41 games for Okan Buruk’s side across all competitions.
Osimhen became the first Nigerian to win the Turkish Super Lig golden boot, and the fourth African to claim the honour, following in the footsteps of Morocco’s Aatif Chahechouhe (2014), Senegal’s Mbaye Diagne (2019), and Gabon’s Aaron Boupendza (2021).
Hakimi, Osimhen and Salah have already established themselves as strong candidates for the 2026 CAF POTY Award.
PSG and Galatasaray are currently top of their respective leagues, and while Liverpool have struggled this season, they possess huge quality to turn their season around.