Born in Madrid, and considered one of the best defenders in the world, Hakimi writing a new page in the history of African football and Paris Saint-Germain. He thus becomes the first player from the capital club to win the title of African Player of the Year, and the first Moroccan to win this title since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.
Achraf Hakimi was favoured by the majority of sports journalists, coaches, captains, legends and African football experts invited to vote across the continent, beating Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC – Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray – Nigeria).
This title rounds off an exceptional year for the Paris Saint-Germain defender, who has consistently demonstrated his talent and established himself as a key player in the club's historic first Champions League victory last season, while also playing a vital role in Paris' successes in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions and the UEFA Super Cup. His excellent performances also earned him a place in the Ligue 1 and Champions League teams of the season for 2024-2025. He also featured in the FIFPRO World XI of the year, alongside Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Ousmane Dembélé.
At the same time, the Atlas Lions captain also played a major role with his national team, helping Morocco qualify for the 2026 World Cup with three assists during the qualifying phase.
At the club since 2021, Achraf Hakimi adds another line to an already exceptional list of achievements, having won a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, four Ligue 1 titles, three Trophées des Champions and two Coupe de France titles with Paris Saint-Germain. With two goals and three assists in 14 matches in all competitions this season, the Moroccan international is putting in a string of great performances and continuing his meteoric rise.
“To receive the trophy for the 2025 African Player of the Year is an immense honour. To be recognised by my continent is so special for me. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the people of Morocco who support me every day.”
