RABAT: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first defender in more than half a century to win the continent’s most prestigious individual honour.
The 27-year-old right-back enjoyed a trophy-packed season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), lifting the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. Hakimi also reached the Club World Cup final, where PSG finished runners-up in New York.
Hakimi beat out two former winners — Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Victor Osimhen of Nigeria — to claim the award for the first time in his career.
“An honour for me and for Africa” — Hakimi
Receiving the award, Hakimi dedicated the recognition to all Africans inspired by football.
“It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I’m proud to win such a prestigious trophy,” he said.
“This trophy is not just for me; it’s for all the strong men and women in Africa who dream of becoming footballers.”
Currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain, Hakimi is expected to lead Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21. The Atlas Lions are seeking their first AFCON title since 1976.
Morocco dominates awards night
It was a memorable evening for the host nation, with Moroccan players sweeping multiple categories.
Ghizlane Chebbak wins African Women’s Player of the Year
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the award for Best African Women’s Player, edging out fellow Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade. Chebbak was the top scorer at the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, where Morocco finished runners-up to Nigeria.
Other major award winners
Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Best Young Men’s Player: Othmane Maamma (Morocco, Watford)
Best Young Women’s Player: Doha El Madani (Morocco) — retained her title
Best Men’s National Team: Morocco U-20 World Cup-winning squad
Men’s Coach of the Year: Bubista (Cape Verde), after guiding the island nation of just 525,000 residents to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria) — her third consecutive crown
Morocco’s dominance across categories underscored a golden period for football in the nation, both at senior and youth levels.
