Achraf Hakimi wins CAF best player of the year, Ghizlane Chebbak wins CAF women’s best player

Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 Player of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The 27-year-old defender edged out Victor Osimhen of Nigeria (Galatasaray) and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), taking over from Ademola Lookman, last year’s winner.

Achraf Hakimi wins CAF best player of the year

"It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award," Hakimi said.

"This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in Africa. And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all."

Hakimi had a stellar season, securing five trophies with PSG, including the club's inaugural Champions League crown.

The PSG fullback was instrumental in the final, opening the scoring in an unforgettable 5-0 romp over Inter Milan in May.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe presented Hakimi with the award, an honor for a defender that hasn't been achieved since Zaire (now DR Congo) center-back Bwanga Tshimen won it in 1973.

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak wins CAF women’s best player

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak has been named the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for 2025, capping a remarkable year for the 35-year-old forward.

The award was presented on Wednesday, November 19, at the CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco. Chebbak edged out Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and fellow Moroccan Sanna Mssoudy to claim the prestigious honour.

Midfielder Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan woman to win the African Footballer of the Year award. She claimed the top prize ahead of her international compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade.

Chebbak was a standout at the WAFCON tournament, finishing as the top scorer with five goals to win the Golden Boot and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament. Her consistent performances throughout the year also secured her a spot in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.

Ajibade, meanwhile, captained the Super Falcons to a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, was named Player of the Tournament, featured in the Team of the Year, and completed a high-profile move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Chebbak’s award highlights her stellar contributions to Moroccan women’s football and her continued influence on the continental stage.

Bubista was named Coach of the Year after leading the island nation of Cape Verde to a stunning qualification for the 2026 World Cup, securing their first-ever appearance.