Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has been named the African Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) for Men’s Player of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, held on Wednesday night in Rabat, Morocco.

Hakimi claimed the top honour ahead of Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Egypt, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray, replacing Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as the continent’s best player. The defender had finished as runner-up for the previous two editions.

Football analysts say Hakimi’s victory was expected, given his rise as one of the world’s most influential defenders. The PSG right-back was instrumental in Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup campaign, helping the Atlas Lions become the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, defying expectations and earning global acclaim.

On the club level, Hakimi has been equally outstanding. He holds the record for the most goal contributions by a defender (30) across Europe’s top five leagues, with only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk surpassing him in successful passes among defenders during the same period.

Last season, Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, helping the team lift the French Ligue 1, the French Cup, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.