Hakimi and Chebbak named African players of the year

Achraf Hakimi

Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Rabat on a successful night for the host nation.

The 27-year-old beat Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen after helping club side Paris St-Germain to the French title and a maiden Champions League trophy.

Hakimi, who missed out on the top spot in 2023 and 2024, became the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.

Meanwhile, Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak won the women's prize, surprisingly seeing off Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Atlas Lionesses team-mate Sanaa Mssoudy.

The winners are voted for by a panel of experts which includes members of Caf's technical committee plus African media professionals, players and coaches.

Hakimi Targets Afcon Glory

Hakimi is a deserved winner of the award after his fine performances for both his national side and PSG, including scoring the opener as the French club beat Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.

His side also won the Uefa Super Cup, Coupe de France and the French Super Cup last term, but were beaten in the Fifa Club World Cup final by Chelsea.

"It's really an honour for me to win this prestigious trophy," he said. "This trophy is not just for me - it is for all the Africans that have dreams."

However, the defender is now facing a race to be fit for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on home soil after damaging ankle ligaments earlier this month in the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.

Hakimi hopped up the steps on to the stage before accepting his award from Caf president Patrice Motsepe and Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino, making sure not to put weight on his injured left foot.

He has been front and centre in promoting this year's finals as Morocco aim to claim the continental title for the first time since 1976.

"We will do our best to win the Afcon trophy," added Hakimi. "I'd like to thank my physiotherapists and those that support me in this difficult period."

Chebbak makes it Moroccan double

Chebbak made history as the first Moroccan to win the women's award since it was first established in 2001.

The 35-year-old midfielder finished as the top scorer at this year's delayed 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including netting a stunning goal in the final.

Yet the Atlas Lionesses were beaten 3-2 by Nigeria, and Ajibade had been heavily tipped to take the prize after being named player of the tournament as the Super Falcons won a record-extending 10th continental title.

"I am extremely delighted to receive this award," said Chebbak. "This is the fruit of a lot of hard work over the years."

However, there was success for the West Africans as Brighton's Chiamaka Nnadozie was named best goalkeeper for the third year in a row.