CAF Awards 2025: Morocco defender Hakimi beats Osimhen and Salah to win Men's POTY

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 CAF Player of the Year, capping off a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The award was announced on Wednesday night during the CAF Awards ceremony, where the 27-year-old fullback edged Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen to claim Africa's top individual honour.

Hakimi's stellar campaign was pivotal to PSG's dominance across Europe, contributing 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 appearances as the French giants marched to a historic treble.

His season included a memorable goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan, further solidifying his impact on the continent's football scene.

Osimhen and Salah also delivered outstanding seasons for Galatasaray and Liverpool respectively.

Osimhen fired in 37 goals and added eight assists to help Galatasaray secure the Super Lig title and League Cup, while Salah registered 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 matches as Liverpool clinched the Premier League crown.

The Nigerian international, who could not attend the awards ceremony as he is recovering from a muscle injury, will be disappointed to miss out, coming just days after he failed to help Nigeria secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite their impressive numbers, Hakimi's all-round brilliance, decisive contributions, and achievements ultimately earned him Africa's highest football accolade.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com