Morocco delivered a powerful message to the continent at the CAF Awards 2025, hosting the ceremony on home soil and sweeping some of the night’s most prestigious honours.
The star of the evening was Achraf Hakimi, who etched his name into African football folklore by winning the African Player of the Year award, becoming the first defender in 52 years to claim the crown.
After two consecutive years of near misses, where Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman barely edged him out, the 27-year-old finally ascended to the top. Hakimi’s triumph is historic not just for his position, but for Morocco: he ends the nation’s 27-year wait for the continental honour, last won by Mustapha Hadji in 1998. His victory also reinforces his status as one of the game’s most influential modern defenders.
The ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, further showcased Morocco’s rising football influence. Othmane Maamma was named Youth Player of the Year, while Doha El Madani clinched the Women’s Youth Player award, confirming the country’s commitment to nurturing future stars.
Nigeria also shone brightly, with the Super Falcons crowned Women’s Team of the Year, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie winning the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for an extraordinary third consecutive time.
Below is the full list of winners at the 2025 CAF Awards:
CAF Awards 2025 – Full Winners List
- Player of the Year (Men): Achraf Hakimi
- Player of the Year (Women): Ghizlane Chebbak
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Youth Player of the Year (Men): Othmane Maamma
- Women’s Youth Player of the Year: Doha El Madani
- Interclub Player of the Year (Men): Ibrahim Mayele
- Interclub Player of the Year (Women): Shamirah Nabbadda
- Coach of the Year (Men): Bubista
- Club of the Year (Men): Pyramids FC
- Team of the Year (Men): Morocco U-20 National Team
- Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria Women’s National Football Team
- Goal of the Year: Clement Mizize
- Referee of the Year (Men): Omar Abdulkadir Artan
- Referee of the Year (Women): Liban Abdulrazack
- CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Tabara Moodji
- CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Men): Liban Abdulrazack
Morocco’s triump has signalled a new era of continental football power, one driven by talent, investment, and a generation of players determined to redefine African excellence.
