PSG’s Achraf Hakimi Celebrated by Moroccan Fans as CAF Men’s Player of the Year Ahead of AFCON Opener

PSG’s star right-back and Moroccan captain, Achraf Hakimi, was honored in front of thousands of Moroccan fans as he received the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of his national team’s opening match against Comoros at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The presentation, held in the stadium before kick-off, allowed supporters to witness the moment firsthand and celebrate one of Africa’s brightest footballing talents.

Hakimi, 27, stood proudly with the golden trophy, waving to fans dressed in red and green while the stadium echoed with chants in his support. Rather than keeping the award confined to a formal gala in Rabat, the Moroccan international chose to share this milestone with the nation, turning it into a collective celebration of both individual brilliance and national pride.

Historic Accolade for a Moroccan Star

Earlier this month, Hakimi was officially named CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025, surpassing prominent competitors such as Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. This recognition marked a historic achievement: Hakimi became the first Moroccan player in nearly thirty years to claim the prestigious honor and only the second defender in CAF history to do so.

The PSG right-back’s award was a reflection of a stellar 2024–25 season, in which he played a pivotal role in helping PSG secure Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Super Cup titles, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. His performances for both club and country cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic and influential defenders.

A Moment Shared With the Fans

The decision to present Hakimi’s award in the stadium added a special dimension to Morocco’s AFCON experience. Fans captured videos and photos of the decorated star smiling, waving, and acknowledging their cheers, creating an electric atmosphere that further heightened anticipation for Morocco’s tournament opener. 

Morocco’s AFCON Aspirations

The timing of the award presentation was especially symbolic. Morocco enters AFCON 2025 as a favorite, seeking to build on their strong World Cup 2022 performance and solid form under coach Walid Regragui. Despite a recent ankle injury, Hakimi has been a key figure in the squad, providing leadership and inspiration to teammates. The display of his award before the first whistle sent a clear message: Morocco is ready to compete fiercely in front of a home crowd.

As kick-off against Comoros approached, the stadium buzzed with energy. The sight of PSG’s Achraf Hakimi holding the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award was a powerful reminder of his exceptional achievements and Morocco’s growing footballing stature. For fans, it was more than a personal accolade; it was a symbol of national pride and a rallying point for what promises to be an exciting AFCON campaign.