Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, a triumph that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. In winning the award, the Moroccan right-back broke a fifty-two year drought for defenders, becoming the first since Bwanga Tshimen of Zaire in 1973 to claim the continent’s most prestigious individual honor. His victory is remarkable not only for its rarity but also for the way it challenges the long-standing dominance of strikers and attacking midfielders in African football.
Hakimi’s season with Paris Saint-Germain was nothing short of extraordinary. He played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic first-ever UEFA Champions League title, while also helping secure the Ligue 1 crown, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup. His consistency across more than 3,400 minutes of football, his versatility in both defense and attack, and his leadership on the pitch made him indispensable to PSG’s treble-winning campaign. Hakimi’s recognition is a testament to the evolution of the modern defender, who is expected not only to guard the backline but also to drive forward with creativity and pace.
Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, was widely expected to challenge again, but several factors worked against him this year. Recurring injuries disrupted his rhythm and limited his impact, while his move to Galatasaray did not yield the kind of continental success that Hakimi enjoyed with PSG. Though still a prolific striker, Osimhen’s season lacked the sustained brilliance needed to edge Hakimi, and with Mohamed Salah also in contention, his reduced influence made Hakimi’s dominance undeniable.
Hakimi’s triumph is more than personal glory; it is symbolic of a shift in African football. It proves that defenders, when exceptional, can redefine the game and earn recognition at the highest level. His victory highlights the growing appreciation for tactical intelligence, versatility, and defensive mastery, qualities that are now celebrated alongside goals. In breaking barriers, Hakimi has not only conquered Africa but also redefined what it means to be a footballing icon on the continent.
By Bola Babarinde
