IS THIS HAKIMI’S MOMENT? MOROCCO WAITS FOR ITS CROWNING NIGHT AS CAF UNVEILS FINAL THREE
The question echoing across Africa right now is simple: Is it finally Achraf Hakimi’s time?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the final shortlist for the continent’s most prestigious individual honour, the CAF Player of the Year, and Morocco’s own Achraf Hakimi stands front and centre among the elite trio. Alongside him are former winners, Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/Nigeria), but this year may feel different, this year feels like Hakimi’s.
Hakimi’s 2024/2025 season was nothing short of monumental. The PSG star swept every domestic trophy available, powering the French giants to a treble, before etching his name into European history as a key figure in the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
His versatility, explosiveness and consistency under Luis Enrique made him indispensable, a full-back who influenced games like a world-class playmaker.
He made 14-goal-contribution in the Ligue 1 and the Champions League, scoring 5 times including the opening goal in the Uefa Champions League final against Inter Milan and assisting 9.
The only blemish on an otherwise perfect year was the FIFA Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea. Yet even that couldn’t dim the brilliance of a season in which Hakimi stood tall as one of the best in the world, not just in Africa.
His rivals’ cases are strong, but arguably not stronger.
Mohamed Salah delivered a record-breaking Premier League campaign with 29 goals and 18 assists to help Liverpool seal the title, though he has struggled for form this season.
Victor Osimhen had a fantastic year in Turkey with Galatasaray, scoring 26 goals and assisting five as he helped them win the league. But Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup casts a long shadow over his chances.
Hakimi, meanwhile, not only conquered Europe but he has also guided Morocco back to the world’s biggest stage, securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That achievement, combined with his club success, gives him a compelling edge.
As the CAF Awards draw near on November 19 in Morocco, anticipation swells. For the first time in years, Africa could be on the brink of witnessing a defender, a Moroccan defender crowned the continent’s best after taking the runners-up spot in 2023.
Is this Hakimi’s time? Under the lights in his home nation, with the continent watching, the stage could not be more perfectly set.