Morocco enjoyed a landmark night at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Rabat, with Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak winning the continent’s top individual honours.
Hakimi takes Men’s Player of the Year
Right-back Achraf Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year, beating finalists Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. The 27-year-old played a key role in Paris St-Germain’s domestic title win and their first-ever Champions League triumph, scoring the opening goal in the 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan.
His win makes him the first Moroccan to claim the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, having previously finished runner-up in 2023 and 2024.
Despite celebrating the achievement, Hakimi is currently battling to recover from ankle ligament damage sustained in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. He appeared on stage on crutches and avoided putting weight on his left foot. With Morocco hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he emphasised his determination to be fit in time.
“This trophy isn’t just for me — it’s for everyone in Africa who dreams,” he said. Hakimi also reaffirmed his ambition to help Morocco lift a first Afcon title since 1976.
Chebbak seals historic women’s win
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak earned the Women’s Player of the Year award, becoming the first Moroccan to do so since the category was created in 2001. The 35-year-old midfielder was the top scorer at the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, netting a spectacular strike in the final.
Although Morocco lost that final 3-2 to Nigeria, Chebbak edged out favourites Rasheedat Ajibade and team-mate Sanaa Mssoudy to take the honour.
“I am extremely delighted. This award is the result of many years of hard work,” she said.
Nigeria did not leave empty-handed: Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third straight time.
Cape Verde coach honoured
Cape Verde manager Bubista was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding the island nation to a historic first qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We are a small country but we have a big heart,” the 55-year-old said.
Morocco’s success continued through Watford midfielder Othmane Maamma, who won Men’s Young Player of the Year after starring in Morocco’s triumph at the Under-20 World Cup.
Leaders recognised
East African heads of state — Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni — received Outstanding Achievement Awards for co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship. The three nations are set to jointly stage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
2025 CAF Awards: Full List of Winners
- Men’s Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (PSG & Morocco)
- Women’s Player of the Year: Ghizlane Chebbak (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Nigeria)
- Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco U20
- Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
- Men’s Club of the Year: Pyramids (Egypt)
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)
- Goal of the Year: Clement Mzize (Young Africans vs TP Mazembe)
Winners for Women’s Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, and Club of the Year will be announced after the conclusion of the 2025 Women’s African Champions League.
