The celebrations in Rabat carried a special energy as Moroccan football enjoyed one of its most memorable nights in recent history. The city hosted the 2025 CAF Awards, and it became clear early in the evening that the host nation would shine.
Among the biggest moments was Achraf Hakimi being named the African Footballer of the Year after years of coming close. His win marked a major milestone for Moroccan football, breaking a long wait since Mustapha Hadji last lifted the honour in 1998.Hakimi’s victory did not come by chance.
The right back has been one of the most consistent African players in Europe, delivering strong performances for both Paris St Germain and the Moroccan national team.
His season included helping PSG win the French league title and lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
He also scored the opening goal in the Champions League final, where PSG beat Inter Milan in a dominant 5-0 victory.
The achievements did not stop there because the French side went on to win the UEFA Super Cup, the Coupe de France and the French Super Cup.
The only disappointment came when they lost the FIFA Club World Cup final to Chelsea.
Hakimi accepted his award while carefully avoiding putting weight on his injured left foot.
He recently damaged his ankle ligaments during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich, leaving him in a race against time to fully recover before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament is especially important for him since Morocco will host it and hope to win their first Afcon title since 1976. Hakimi spoke with pride, saying the award belonged to all Africans who dream of succeeding, and he thanked the medical team supporting him through his recovery.
He also promised that Morocco would give everything to win the trophy on home soil.
The night belonged not only to Hakimi because Morocco also celebrated Ghizlane Chebbak’s historic victory in the women’s category.
Chebbak became the first Moroccan woman to win the award since it was created in 2001. Her performances during the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations impressed many, especially her stunning goal in the final.
Although Morocco lost 3-2 to Nigeria, she still finished as the top scorer.
Many had expected Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade to win after leading her team to a tenth continental title, but Chebbak’s consistency and leadership earned her the honour. She said the award was the result of many years of hard work and dedication.
The ceremony also highlighted achievements from across the continent. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won the women’s goalkeeper award for the third year in a row, confirming her place among Africa’s finest.
Cape Verde’s Bubista was named men’s coach of the year after leading his country to its first ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rising talent Othmane Maamma from Watford won the men’s young player award thanks to his crucial role in Morocco’s Under 20 World Cup triumph. His pride was clear as he spoke about the teamwork that brought the trophy home.
East African leaders also had their moment. Presidents William Ruto, Samia Suluhu Hassan and Yoweri Museveni received outstanding achievement awards for successfully co hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship.
Their countries are now preparing for an even bigger task as they work toward hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2025 CAF Awards proved to be a night of pride for Morocco and a celebration of African football excellence across many nations.
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