### Achraf Hakimi Makes History as First Defender to Win African Footballer of the Year in 52 Years Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been awarded the prestigious title of African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held in Rabat, Morocco. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first defender to win this accolade in over five decades, surpassing notable contenders such as Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the voting process. Hakimi's victory is not only a personal triumph but also a historic moment for defenders in African football, highlighting his exceptional performance throughout the year [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/psg-defender-hakimi-wins-african-footballer-of-the-year]. ### Overview of Achraf Hakimi's Award and Significance 1. **Award Details**: - Achraf Hakimi was named African Footballer of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards. - He is the first defender to win this award in 52 years, a notable achievement in a category traditionally dominated by forwards and attacking players [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/11/19/proud-moment-for-me-achraf-hakimi-on-winning-african-footballer-of-the-year-award]. 2. **Competition**: - Hakimi triumphed over two prominent players: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Nigeria) [https://zamin.uz/en/sport/170481-achraf-hakimi-named-african-footballer-of-the-year.html]. - This victory is particularly significant as it reflects a shift in recognition towards defensive players in a sport often focused on offensive statistics [https://mcebiscoo.com/ikpeba-reveals-why-hakimi-won-2025-caf-african-player-of-the-year-ahead-of-osimhen]. 3. **Hakimi's Performance**: - The award recognizes Hakimi's outstanding contributions during a successful season with PSG, where he helped the team secure multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/achraf-hakimi-african-player-of-the-year-full-list-of-winners-africa-football-latest-updates/article70301677.ece]. - His performance has been characterized by both defensive prowess and the ability to contribute to the attack, showcasing the evolving role of defenders in modern football [https://www.adomonline.com/hakimi-and-chebbak-named-african-players-of-the-year]. ### Supporting Evidence of Hakimi's Achievement - **Historical Context**: - The last defender to win the African Footballer of the Year award was in 1973, making Hakimi's win a groundbreaking event [https://themomentng.com/2025/11/19/achraf-hakimi-wins-2025-caf-player-of-the-year-award]. - **Awards and Titles**: - In 2025, Hakimi played a crucial role in PSG's success, contributing to their victories in: - UEFA Champions League - Ligue 1 - Coupe de France - UEFA Super Cup [https://mcebiscoo.com/caf-awards-2025-achraf-hakimi-crowned-african-player-of-the-year-african-ballon-dor]. ### Conclusion: Hakimi's Legacy and Future Prospects Achraf Hakimi's recognition as the African Footballer of the Year is a landmark achievement that not only celebrates his individual talent but also signifies a broader acknowledgment of the importance of defensive roles in football. 1. **Historic Achievement**: Hakimi's win is a testament to his hard work and dedication, marking a pivotal moment for defenders in African football history. 2. **Future Implications**: This award may inspire a new generation of defenders to aspire for recognition in a field traditionally dominated by attackers, potentially altering the landscape of African football awards in the years to come. 3. **Continued Excellence**: As Hakimi prepares to lead Morocco in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, his recent accolade will undoubtedly bolster his confidence and performance on the international stage [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/full-list-nigerias-biggest-winners-at-the-2025-caf-awards-as-morocco-stars-beat-osimhen-ajibade]. In summary, Achraf Hakimi's achievement at the 2025 CAF Awards not only highlights his exceptional talent but also paves the way for future defenders in the sport [https://www.flashscore.dk/news/paris-saint-germain-s-achraf-hakimi-wins-player-of-the-year-at-caf-awards-2025/bZOvqsPP].