PSG’s Hakimi wins the 2025 African Ballon d’Or: Historic!

The Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, was awarded the African Footballer of the Year 2025 at a ceremony held in Rabat on Wednesday. The Moroccan international led the vote, surpassing Mohamed Salah, Liverpool and Egypt star, and Victor Osimhen, Nigeria and Galatasaray striker, who completed the podium.

It is a moment of great pride for me to win this prestigious award. This trophy is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women who dream of being footballers in Africa. And for those who always believed in me since I was a child, that one day I would be a professional footballer. I would like to thank you all.

Achraf Hakimi

Hakimi had an exceptional season, securing five titles with PSG, including the club’s first Champions League crown.

Hakimi is the African Player of the Year. 🏆🇲🇦

The PSG defender beat out Salah and Osimhen for the award. pic.twitter.com/d0h30pXlT6

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 27, 2024

The PSG full-back was fundamental in the final, opening the scoring in an unforgettable 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in May. The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, presented the award to Hakimi, an honor for a defender that had not been achieved since the central defender of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo) Bwanga Tshimen won it in 1973. Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan woman to win the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award. She won the first prize ahead of her compatriot international Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade. Bubista was named Coach of the Year after leading the island nation of Cape Verde to a surprising qualification for the 2026 World Cup, securing their first appearance.