Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi was named African Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, leading a strong showing for Moroccan talent and achievements from other nations like Cape Verde at the annual awards ceremony.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back secured his first major individual African award after a stellar season. He helped his French club clinch the French league, French Cup, European Super Cup, and a historic Champions League title. Hakimi also played a key role in Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
He beat out Egypt’s Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen of three-time Turkish champion Galatasaray for the prestigious honor.
“This prestigious trophy is not just for me, but for all young Africans who have dreams and aspire to be players,” Hakimi said upon receiving the award. He was presented the trophy by CAF leader Patrice Motsepe and FIFA leader Gianni Infantino.
In another significant win, Pedro Brito, known as Bubista, the coach of Cape Verde, was recognized as the Best Coach. He was instrumental in guiding Cape Verde to an unprecedented qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Bubista, 55, expressed his gratitude. “This is incredible. I want to thank my family, the technical team, the athletes, and the people of my country. We are a small country, but we have a huge heart,” he stated. He succeeded Emerse Faé as the recipient of the award.
The awards ceremony, held in Rabat, saw further success for Morocco. Yassine Bounou, the Al Hilal goalkeeper, won Best Goalkeeper for the second time. Ghizlaine Chebbak, also from Al Hilal, was named Best African Female Player. She surpassed Sanaâ Mssoudy of FAR Rabat and Rasheedat Ajibade of Paris Saint-Germain.
Morocco’s U-20 national team also claimed the Best Men’s National Team award. They were crowned U-20 world champions a month ago in Chile.
Achraf Hakimi, 27, has been with Paris Saint-Germain for five seasons. He is the fifth Moroccan player to win the African Player of the Year award. He had previously finished second in the 2023 and 2024 editions, behind Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, respectively.
Egypt’s Pyramids FC was named Best Men’s Club. They had defeated South Africa’s eight-time champion Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Champions League final last season.