Morocco celebrated a historic night at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Rabat as Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak were named African Footballer of the Year for men and women, respectively. The host nation enjoyed unprecedented success, with multiple Moroccan stars and coaches honored for their outstanding contributions to African football.

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Achraf Hakimi: First Moroccan Male Winner Since 1998

Achraf Hakimi, 27, Morocco’s star right-back, secured the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Hakimi helped PSG win the French Ligue 1 title and claimed his first UEFA Champions League trophy, scoring the opening goal in a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final.

Hakimi narrowly beat Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to claim the honor, becoming the first Moroccan male player to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.

“It’s really an honor for me to win this prestigious trophy. This is not just for me – it is for all Africans who dream big,” Hakimi said.

However, Hakimi faces a race against time to recover from ankle ligament damage sustained in a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. He is targeting full fitness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host.

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Ghizlane Chebbak: Historic Moroccan Women’s Player of the Year

Ghizlane Chebbak, Morocco’s captain, made history by becoming the first Moroccan to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award since its inception in 2001. The 35-year-old midfielder impressed at the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and netting a stunning goal in the final, although Morocco were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Nigeria.

“I am extremely delighted to receive this award. It is the fruit of years of hard work,” Chebbak said.

Nigeria did see success as Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive year.

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Other Key Winners at the 2025 CAF Awards

• Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde) – guided the team to historic 2026 World Cup qualification.
• Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
• Men’s Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)
• Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)
• Men’s National Team of the Year: Morocco Under-20
• 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)
• Goal of the Year: Clement Mzize (Young Africans vs TP Mazembe)

East African leaders, including Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, were honored for their roles in co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship and preparing to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Hakimi and Chebbak Lead Moroccan Football Renaissance

The dual victories by Hakimi and Chebbak underline Morocco’s growing dominance in African football. Both players exemplify technical skill, leadership, and consistency at the highest levels, representing a source of national pride as the country prepares to host the AFCON 2025 finals.