Morocco enjoyed a triumphant night at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, taking home several of the continent’s biggest honours. The headline moment came when Paris Saint-Germain right back Achraf Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year, finishing ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after an outstanding season for both club and country. Hakimi played a key role as PSG won the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the UEFA Super Cup, making him one of the most consistent performers in world football.
At 27, Hakimi also became the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defender in more than half a century to claim the top prize. He accepted the trophy on crutches after suffering ankle ligament damage earlier this month, a reminder of the physical toll of his season and his determination to be present for the moment. In his speech, he described the award as belonging to every African who dares to dream, and reaffirmed his commitment to return in time for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
It was also a night of history in women’s football. Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Player of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan woman to receive the award since its creation. Chebbak was the top scorer at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and has long been a symbol of leadership and resilience within the Atlas Lionesses. She won ahead of Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Moroccan teammate Sanaa Mssoudy. Chebbak dedicated the award to the years of hard work and sacrifice that shaped her career.
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Morocco’s dominance continued across the categories. Yassine Bounou, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers on the continent, was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. Morocco’s under-20 side was recognised as Men’s National Team of the Year after a remarkable run that included winning the Under-20 World Cup. Rising star Othmane Maamma, currently with Watford, won the Men’s Young Player of the Year award after shining throughout the year and playing a significant role in Morocco’s youth success.
Beyond Morocco, Cape Verde also enjoyed a proud moment as Bubista was crowned Men’s Coach of the Year. His leadership had guided the small island nation to a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo forward Fiston Mayele was named Men’s Interclub Player of the Year in recognition of his standout club performances for Pyramids.
The ceremony also recognised administrative contributions to African football. The presidents of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda received outstanding achievement awards for jointly hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship, a collaboration that signalled East Africa’s rising influence ahead of hosting the 2027 AFCON.
For Morocco, the 2025 CAF Awards will be remembered as a defining celebration of its footballing rise. With Hakimi and Chebbak leading the way, the host nation used the continental stage to affirm its growing strength in both the men’s and women’s game. The night captured not only individual brilliance but a broader sense of national momentum, pride and ambition.
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