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Moroccan football asserted its growing continental power at the CAF Awards 2025 in Rabat, where Achraf Hakimi delivered one of the night’s biggest moments by being crowned African Player of the Year. His victory was not just a personal milestone but a historic achievement, as he became the first defender in 52 years to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual football honour. The triumph symbolized Morocco’s rising status in African football and highlighted the country’s recent surge in both talent and influence.
Hakimi’s win felt like the culmination of several years of near-misses and elite-level consistency. After falling just short in 2023 and 2024—when the award went to Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman—many believed the Paris Saint-Germain full-back was overdue for recognition. At 27, Hakimi has established himself as not just one of the world’s best defenders but a complete modern footballer whose attacking contributions, leadership qualities, and big-game presence set him apart. His recognition at the ceremony placed him among a rare class of defenders to win the award, a feat that underscores the magnitude of his performances over the last year.
For Morocco, Hakimi’s win reopened a chapter that had been closed since Mustapha Hadji’s triumph in 1998. The nation had waited nearly three decades to celebrate another African Player of the Year, and this moment arrived with overwhelming national pride. Coming off a series of strong team and individual performances on the African and global stage, Moroccan football has grown into a formidable force, and the Rabat ceremony only intensified the momentum.
Nigeria also enjoyed its share of celebration, particularly on the women’s side. The Super Falcons earned the Women’s Team of the Year award, reaffirming their long-standing dominance in African women’s football. Their consistency, tactical discipline, and ability to perform against top continental rivals were recognized once again.
One of the evening’s most predictable but well-deserved wins went to Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year prize for the third consecutive time. Her performances over the past year have drawn global praise, and her continued rise has made her one of Africa’s most dependable goalkeepers. Her ability to command her area, organize her defence, and make high-pressure saves has been instrumental to both club and country.
Beyond the headline awards, the CAF Awards 2025 showcased a broad spectrum of African football talent across categories, reflecting the continent’s growth at youth, club, and national levels. Below is the full list of winners:
• Player of the Year (Men): Achraf Hakimi
• Player of the Year (Women): Ghizlane Chebbak
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie
• Youth Player of the Year (Men): Othmane Maamma
• Youth Player of the Year (Women): Doha El Madani
• Interclub Player of the Year: Ibrahim Mayele
• Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Shamirah Nabbadda
• Coach of the Year (Men): Bubista
• Club of the Year (Men): Pyramids FC
• Team of the Year (Men): Morocco U-20 National Team
• Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria Women’s National Football Team
• Goal of the Year: Clement Mizize
• Referee of the Year (Men): Omar Abdulkadir Artan
• Referee of the Year (Women): Liban Abdulrazack
• Women’s Referee of the Year: Shamirah Nabbadda
• CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Tabara Moodji
• CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Men): Liban Abdulrazack
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