Achraf Hakimi has been crowned African Player of the Year after a landmark season that solidified his status as one of the continent’s most complete and influential footballers. The Paris Saint Germain and Morocco defender received the award on Thursday following a year defined by elite consistency, decisive performances, and leadership on the biggest stages.

The Moroccan international has been central to PSG’s domestic dominance, delivering critical assists, defensive recoveries, and match defining runs that underscore his role as one of Europe’s most impactful fullbacks. His Champions League performances, marked by pace, discipline, and tactical intelligence, drew widespread praise from analysts who argue that few players in his position match his two way influence.

For Morocco, Hakimi’s year was equally commanding. He delivered a string of high level performances during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international friendlies, helping cement the Atlas Lions as one of Africa’s strongest and most tactically mature sides. More broadly, he remains a cornerstone figure for a national team that continues to build on its historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run.

Hakimi’s win carries continental weight. African Player of the Year is traditionally an attacker dominated award, making the recognition of a defender particularly significant. It reflects not only Hakimi’s standout season but also the evolution of modern African football, where fullbacks and defenders increasingly shape the game’s tempo, structure, and tactical possibilities.

Analysts note that Hakimi’s blend of athleticism, elite recovery speed, and attacking creativity places him in the global top tier. His ability to control wide spaces, create numerical advantages, and neutralise opposing wingers has made him indispensable for club and country.

For young African players, Hakimi’s rise is an aspirational roadmap. From Real Madrid’s academy to Bundesliga breakout success with Borussia Dortmund, to Serie A triumph with Inter Milan, and now PSG dominance, his career reflects steady progression, adaptability, and relentless work ethic.

The award also reinforces Morocco’s growing influence in African football, highlighting a national program that has invested heavily in youth development, coaching depth, and tactical innovation. Several football federations across the continent have studied Morocco’s approach in recent years, and Hakimi’s success amplifies the model’s visibility.

As reactions poured in across social media, former players and current stars called the recognition overdue. Supporters in Paris, Casablanca, and beyond described Hakimi as the “complete modern fullback” and a leader whose influence extends far beyond defensive lines.

Hakimi’s victory adds another milestone to a career that continues to rise with precision and consistency. For African football, it is a celebration of excellence and a reminder of the continent’s growing power in shaping the global game.