Morocco enjoyed a night of celebration and national pride in Rabat as Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the biggest prizes at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. The host nation dominated the ceremony with an impressive collection of six major awards, the highest of any country on the night.
Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year for the first time, while Chebbak secured the Women Player of the Year award, completing a memorable double for Moroccan football.
Hakimi Crowned Africa’s Best After Outstanding Season
Achraf Hakimi finally claimed Africa’s most prestigious individual football honour after finishing second in the past two editions of the award. The Paris Saint Germain defender finished ahead of Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria following a remarkable season in which he helped his club secure the French league title and their first Champions League trophy.
He delivered several standout performances, including the opening goal in Paris Saint Germain’s five to zero victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. The club also lifted the UEFA Super Cup, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup. Their only setback came in the FIFA Club World Cup final where Chelsea edged them to the title.
Hakimi accepted the award while still nursing an ankle injury he suffered earlier this month during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich. He stepped onto the stage without placing weight on his injured foot and reflected on the importance of the achievement.
He said the trophy belonged to all Africans who had dreams of greatness and added that he hoped to recover fully in time to lead Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil. Morocco has not lifted the continental trophy since 1976 and Hakimi expressed confidence that the national team would give their all in pursuit of that goal.
Chebbak Makes History with Women Player of the Year Triumph
Morocco’s celebrations continued as Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan to win the Women Player of the Year award since its introduction in 2001. The captain of the Atlas Lionesses enjoyed an exceptional year and finished as the top scorer at the delayed 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Morocco losing three to two to Nigeria in the final, Chebbak’s leadership and consistent performances placed her ahead of strong contenders Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria and Sanaa Mssoudy of Morocco.
Chebbak described the award as the result of years of commitment and sacrifice. Nigeria also had reason to celebrate as Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Women Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time.
Coaching Excellence and Youth Talent Celebrated
Cape Verde coach Bubista won the Men Coach of the Year award after guiding the island nation to its first ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The coach expressed pride in the achievement and said that Cape Verde may be small but always shows great determination.
Morocco continued its success through Othmane Maamma who won the Men Young Player of the Year award. The Watford midfielder played a crucial role in Morocco’s victorious Under Twenty World Cup campaign and was named the best player of the tournament.
Leaders from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were also honoured with Outstanding Achievement Awards for jointly hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship. The same trio of nations is preparing to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
A Ceremony That Celebrated African Culture and Identity
Beyond the sporting awards, the Rabat ceremony embraced African culture through a vibrant programme of music and entertainment. Moroccan artist Douaa Lahyaoui opened the show with a blend of traditional influences and contemporary pop, representing the confidence of a new generation of Moroccan creatives.
Congolese music legend Awilo Longomba followed with an energetic performance that highlighted the importance of Congolese music in African heritage. The evening also featured an appearance by Fuse ODG whose style connects London and Accra. CAF described him as a symbol of modern African creativity and identity.
The event was hosted by acclaimed Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo alongside Moroccan comedian Oualas. Their presence added both star quality and humour to an evening that celebrated the best of African football and culture.
Full List of 2025 CAF Awards Winners
Men Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint Germain
Morocco Women Player of the Year: Ghizlaine Chebbak of Al Hilal and Morocco
Men Coach of the Year: Bubista of Cape Verde
Men Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou of Al Hilal and Morocco
Women Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton and Nigeria
Men National Team of the Year: Morocco Under Twenty
Women National Team of the Year: Nigeria
Men Club of the Year: Pyramids of Egypt
Men Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele of Pyramids and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Men Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma of Watford and Morocco
Women Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani of AS FAR and Morocco
Goal of the Year: Clement Mzize for Young Africans against TP Mazembe
The remaining categories which include Women Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year and Club of the Year will be announced following the conclusion of the Women African Champions League.
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