Imagine the sheer joy and pride – a moment of triumph so profound it echoes across a continent. That's exactly what happened when Achraf Hakimi was crowned African Player of the Year, a victory celebrated by none other than his close friend, Kylian Mbappe. But here's where it gets controversial: some fans questioned whether Hakimi truly deserved the award over other African football giants like Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. Was it a popularity contest, or a genuine recognition of outstanding achievement? Let's delve into the story.
Hakimi's Historic Triumph
The 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat witnessed a historic moment as Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international, clinched the coveted African Player of the Year award. This prestigious accolade recognizes the best African footballer of the year, and Hakimi's stellar 2024-25 season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) propelled him to the top, surpassing Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Napoli's Victor Osimhen in the final vote. This win wasn't just a personal victory; it was a symbolic moment, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work that propelled Hakimi among the elite of the sport.
The ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, was a proud moment for Morocco, as Hakimi became only the fifth Moroccan player ever to receive the award. This victory was especially sweet for the home supporters in Rabat. Hakimi's impressive season with PSG included winning the Champions League, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup. Talk about a trophy haul!
Adding a touch of drama, Hakimi arrived at the ceremony on a scooter, a testament to his determination despite recently recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained from a tough Champions League tackle. His acceptance speech was heartfelt: "It's really an honour for me to be here today and I'm proud to win such a prestigious trophy. This trophy, it's not just for me, it's for all the strong men and women that have dreams in Africa and those that dream of becoming footballers."
Mbappe's Heartfelt Tribute: 'The King of Africa!'
Immediately after Hakimi received the award, Kylian Mbappe, now a star at Real Madrid, took to Instagram with a message that went viral. Sharing a photo of Hakimi holding the trophy, Mbappe wrote: "I love you, my brother. King of Africa. Well done, my brother, it is a more than deserved award.” He even added Moroccan flag emojis, highlighting the strong bond they've maintained since playing together at PSG from 2021 to 2024. This friendship, forged over three seasons at the Parc des Princes, was evident in their on-field celebrations, vacations, and public support for each other.
And this is the part most people miss: Mbappe's tribute was even more significant considering Hakimi had outranked him in the recent Ballon d'Or standings. Despite this, Mbappe displayed nothing but admiration for his friend, showcasing the deep respect between them. Even with their careers taking them to different clubs, their connection remains a shining example of camaraderie in the high-pressure world of professional football.
Hakimi's PSG Stint and His Enduring Legacy with Morocco
Hakimi's success is a testament to his years of consistent performance for both his club and his country. During his time at PSG, he evolved into one of Europe's most complete full-backs, blending incredible speed with top-tier defensive skills and growing leadership qualities. His Champions League victory last season was the highlight of his club career, delivering impactful performances when it mattered most.
Internationally, Hakimi is a vital part of the Moroccan national team. He played a crucial role in their historic journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where the Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach that stage. Since then, his leadership has only grown, with coach Walid Regragui heavily relying on him as a key player both on and off the field.
Currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain, Hakimi is determined to return in time for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Morocco will host. For Hakimi, winning the AFCON trophy on home soil would be a crowning achievement in his career.
What the Future Holds for Hakimi and Mbappe
Hakimi's immediate focus is on his recovery, with Morocco preparing to host AFCON starting December 21. He's expected to resume light training soon, but his fitness will be closely monitored. Morocco hasn't won the competition since 1976, and Hakimi's presence could be the deciding factor in whether they can finally end their long wait.
Meanwhile, Mbappe continues his impressive form at Real Madrid. His public support for Hakimi also highlights his leadership qualities and the strong personal relationships he maintains across the footballing world. With a busy schedule ahead in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, Mbappe remains a key figure for both club and country.
So, what do you think? Did Hakimi deserve the award, or were Salah and Osimhen more deserving? And how important are personal relationships in the cutthroat world of professional football? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
