Hakimi and Chebbak named African players of the year

Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Rabat on a successful night for the host nation.

The 27-year-old beat Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen after helping club side Paris St-Germain to the French title and a maiden Champions League trophy.

Hakimi, who missed out on the top spot in 2023 and 2024, became the first Moroccan to win the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998.

Meanwhile, Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak won the women's prize, surprisingly seeing off Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Atlas Lionesses team-mate Sanaa Mssoudy.

The winners are voted for by a panel of experts which includes members of Caf's technical committee plus African media professionals, players and coaches.

Chebbak makes it Moroccan double

Chebbak made history as the first Moroccan to win the women's award since it was first established in 2001.

The 35-year-old midfielder finished as the top scorer at this year's delayed 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including netting a stunning goal in the final.

Yet the Atlas Lionesses were beaten 3-2 by Nigeria, and Ajibade had been heavily tipped to take the prize after being named player of the tournament as the Super Falcons won a record-extending 10th continental title.

"I am extremely delighted to receive this award," said Chebbak. "This is the fruit of a lot of hard work over the years."

However, there was success for the West Africans as Brighton's Chiamaka Nnadozie was named best goalkeeper for the third year in a row.

2025 Caf Awards winners
Men's Player of the Year: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain & Morocco)

Women's Player of the Year: Ghizlaine Chebbak (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

Men's Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde)

Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Yassine Bonou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)

Women's Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion & Nigeria)

Men's National Team of the Year: Morocco Under-20

Women's National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Men's Club of the Year: Pyramids (Egypt)

Men's Interclub Player of the Year: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids & DR Congo)

Men's Young Player of the Year: Othmane Maamma (Watford & Morocco)

Women's Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR & Morocco)

Goal of the Year (voted for by fans): Clement Mzize for Young Africans vs TP Mazembe.