Morocco enjoyed a dominant night at the 2025 CAF Awards in Salé on Wednesday, with national team stars Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak sweeping the continent’s top individual prizes.
Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions and standout defender for Paris Saint-Germain, was named African Men’s Player of the Year, capping an exceptional club season.
The 27-year-old right-back played a crucial role in PSG’s Champions League triumph, adding the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup to his haul.
Despite narrowly missing out on the Club World Cup crown in New York, Hakimi’s consistency and influence earned him the edge over two former winners—Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hakimi expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui.
“Winning this award is a great honour. I’m humbled and grateful for everyone who has supported me,” he said.
Hakimi is currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain but is expected to lead Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations starting December 21, as the hosts chase their first continental title since 1976.
On the women’s side, fellow Moroccan star Ghizlane Chebbak was named African Women’s Player of the Year.
The Al Hilal forward beat compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade to claim the coveted honour.
Chebbak finished as the top scorer at the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, although Morocco fell short in the final against Nigeria.
Morocco’s success extended far beyond the individual player awards.
Yassine Bounou was voted Best Men’s Goalkeeper.
The U-20 World Cup-winning Moroccan side earned the title of Best Men’s National Team.
Othmane Maamma, the 20-year-old Watford prospect, won Best Young Men’s Player.
Doha El Madani retained her crown as Best Young Women’s Player.
Cape Verde’s national team coach, Bubista, was honoured as Men’s Coach of the Year after steering the island nation—home to just over half a million people—to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria also made its mark, with Chiamaka Nnadozie securing her third straight Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The gala capped a memorable evening for Moroccan football, affirming the country’s growing stature on the African football landscape.
Hakimi
