Achraf Hakimi named African men’s player of the year following stellar season with PSG

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Men’s Player of the Year on Wednesday, capping a remarkable season in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, Sport360NG reports.

The 27-year-old right-back also secured a fourth Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup last season. However, PSG fell short in the Club World Cup final in New York, with Hakimi settling for a runners-up medal.

Hakimi edged out two previous winners, Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, to claim the award for the first time in his career.

“It’s really an honour for me to be here today, and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said, thanking his family, teammates, and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

Currently sidelined with a severe ankle sprain, Hakimi is expected to lead host nation Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21, as the team seeks its first title since 1976.

On the women’s side, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak was named Africa’s Best Women’s Player, beating compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak was the top scorer at this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, where Morocco finished as runners-up to Nigeria.

Morocco enjoyed a dominant showing at the awards ceremony, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou winning Best Men’s Goalkeeper and the Moroccan under-20 World Cup-winning team being named Best Men’s National Team.

Watford youngster Othmane Maamma claimed Best Young Men’s Player, while Doha El Madani retained the title of Best Young Women’s Player.

Cape Verde coach Bubista was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding his nation, with a population of just 525,000, to qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.