Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, has been crowned the African Men’s Player of the Year, marking his first-ever win of the prestigious continental honour.

Hakimi, 27, capped an outstanding season after lifting the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 title, French Cup and UEFA Super Cup with PSG. He finished ahead of previous winners Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to clinch the award.

“It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” Hakimi said, dedicating the award to his family, teammates and Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui.

Although currently sidelined with a severe ankle sprain, the right-back is expected to lead host nation Morocco at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicking off on December 21, 2025, as the Atlas Lions chase their first title since 1976.

It was a dominant outing for Morocco on the awards stage. Ghizlane Chebbak emerged African Women’s Player of the Year, beating compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak finished as top scorer at the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, where Morocco fell to Nigeria in the final.

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou won Best Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the country’s U-20 World Cup-winning team was named Best Men’s National Team.

Watford’s 20-year-old forward Othmane Maamma claimed the Best Young Men’s Player award, while Doha El Madani retained the Best Young Women’s Player honour.

Cape Verde’s national team coach, Bubista, was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding the island nation—population 525,000—to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria also secured a major win on the night, with Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie clinching her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.