Achraf Hakimi has etched his name into African football history after being voted the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first defender in more than five decades to win the coveted honour.

The Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco right back received the top recognition at a glittering ceremony in Rabat on Wednesday night, edging out Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in one of the most competitive races in recent years.

Hakimi’s victory comes on the back of a standout year with PSG, where he was instrumental in the club’s Champions League triumph and their clean sweep of domestic trophies. His influence on both ends of the pitch has made him one of the most complete fullbacks of the modern era.

“This award means a lot,” Hakimi said. “It represents the dreams of many young Africans who believe they can reach the highest level. I share this moment with everyone who has supported me since I was a little boy.”

The last defender to win the award was Bwanga Tshimen of Zaire in 1973—underscoring the rarity of Hakimi’s achievement. He also becomes only the second Moroccan ever to lift the trophy, following Mustapha Hadji’s win in 1998.

Morocco enjoyed a sweeping night at the awards. Forward Ghizlane Chebbak was named Women’s Player of the Year, while national team goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, currently starring for Al-Hilal, secured the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her remarkable rise by clinching her third consecutive Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year accolade after sealing a move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League.

Hakimi’s win, along with Morocco’s overall haul, underlines the country’s growing influence on African football—both at club and international level.