Ashraf Hakimi, Moroccan national team November 19, 2025, 10:08 p.m

Full-back Ashraf Hakimi has won the 2025 African Player of the Year award, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced.

The Moroccan defender became the first representative of his country to receive this honor since Mustafa Hadji in 1998.

Hakimi played one of the decisive roles in PSG’s triumph last season, helping the team win Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup and the club’s first ever Champions League title.

The 27-year-old Moroccan had 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 matches.

Hakimi was voted ahead of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimgen. The award was presented to him at a solemn ceremony in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The player is currently undergoing treatment for the injury, but hopes to recover in time for the African Cup of Nations, which will be held in his country.

CAF decided the winner and finalists based on the votes of national coaches, former footballers and journalists specializing in African football.