Moroccan football made an emphatic statement at the CAF Awards 2025 in Rabat, as defender, Achraf Hakimi,was named African Player of the Year, becoming the first defender to win in 52 years.His achievement capped a dominant Moroccan performance.After back-to-back near misses in 2023 and 2024 — when Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman edged him out — 27-year-old Achraf Hakimi has at last risen to the summit, securing Africa’s highest individual football accolade.His triumph ends Morocco’s long wait for the honour, making him the nation’s first winner since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and places him among the very few defenders to have claimed the award in its modern era.
Meanwhile, Ghizlane Chebbak was awarded Women’s Player of the Year, while Yassine Bounou took home the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year honour.The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, also recognised emerging talent: Othmane Maamma was named Young Player of the Year, and Doha El Madani won the Women’s Young Player award.In the coach’s category, Bubista (Cape Verde) was crowned Coach of the Year, while Pyramids FC secured their first-ever Club of the Year title.
Meanwhile, Ghizlane Chebbak was awarded Women’s Player of the Year, while Yassine Bounou took home the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year honour.The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, also recognised emerging talent: Othmane Maamma was named Young Player of the Year, and Doha El Madani won the Women’s Young Player award.In the coach’s category, Bubista (Cape Verde) was crowned Coach of the Year, while Pyramids FC secured their first-ever Club of the Year title.Nigeria’s Super Falcon won the women team of the year.Brighton’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) for the third consecutive time.
