Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Men’s Player of the Year, rounding off a season marked by major silverware and personal milestones.
The 27-year-old secured the honour after lifting the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, a campaign that also saw him earn another Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. Despite PSG falling short in the Club World Cup final in New York, Hakimi’s performances stood out, helping him surpass previous winners Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to claim the prize for the first time.
Speaking after receiving the award, Hakimi described the moment as a significant milestone, expressing gratitude to his family, his teammates, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui. Although he is currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain, he is expected to lead Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations beginning December 21, as the hosts aim to secure their first continental title since 1976.
Morocco enjoyed a rewarding night at the ceremony in Rabat. Ghizlane Chebbak won the award for the best women’s player, finishing ahead of Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak, who stars for Al Hilal, finished as the top scorer at this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, though her side lost to Nigeria in the final. Yassine Bounou was named the best men’s goalkeeper, while the country’s under-20 World Cup-winning team was recognised as the best men’s national team.
Rising Moroccan talents also made their mark, with Watford’s 20-year-old Othmane Maamma winning the men’s young player award and Doha El Madani retaining her crown as the best young women’s player.
Nigeria also celebrated a major highlight. Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time, solidifying her legacy in African football. The 24-year-old Brighton shot-stopper played every match as Nigeria secured a 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title earlier this year. She finished ahead of Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini to clinch the honour.
Nnadozie, who conceded just three goals in six matches during the tournament, expressed appreciation to CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation, and her teammates and coaches at both club and national levels. Her strong year continued with additional recognition, including finishing fourth in the women’s category of the Yachine Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony. She also lifted the Coupe de France Féminine during her time at Paris FC.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons were voted the Women’s National Team of the Year after claiming another WAFCON crown. Nigeria edged Ghana’s Black Queens and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses to secure the award, reinforcing their dominance in women’s football across the continent.
What you should know
This year’s CAF Awards highlighted Morocco’s strong presence across major categories, with Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak claiming top individual honours and the country’s under-20 squad earning national recognition.
Nigeria also strengthened its position in African football, led by Chiamaka Nnadozie’s third straight goalkeeper award and the Super Falcons’ recognition as Women’s National Team of the Year, reflecting their continued success at the continental level.
