Achraf Hakimi from PSG named African footballer of the year
Achraf Hakimi, who captains Morocco, secured the African men's footballer of the year honour on Wednesday, marking the end of a standout season where he triumphed in the UEFA Champions League alongside Paris Saint-Germain.
The 27 year old also secured his fourth Ligue 1 championship last term, along with the French Cup and UEFA Super Cup, though Paris Saint-Germain fell short in the Club World Cup final, leaving Hakimi with a second place finish in New York.
The defender at right back overcame competition from previous recipients, including Mohamed Salah of Liverpool from Egypt and Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian forward, to earn this accolade for the first time.
"Being here today is a true honour for me and I feel proud to receive such a distinguished award," stated Hakimi, as he expressed gratitude to his family, fellow players, and Morocco's manager Walid Regragui.
"This award belongs not only to me but to all the determined individuals with aspirations in Africa, especially those aiming to become professional footballers."
Hakimi is presently recovering from a serious ankle sprain but, should he regain fitness, he will captain hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations beginning December 21, as they aim for their first victory in the tournament since 1976.
Ghizlane Chebbak from Morocco took home the top women's player award on the continent, edging out her compatriot Sanaa Mssoudy and Rasheedat Ajibade of Nigeria.
The forward for Al Hilal topped the scoring charts at this year's Africa Women's Cup of Nations, despite her team losing to Nigeria in the final match.
It proved a triumphant occasion for the host nation Morocco, with Yassine Bounou earning the best men's goalkeeper honour, and the Moroccan under 20 squad that won the World Cup being selected as the finest men's national team.
Othmane Maamma, the 20 year old Moroccan at Watford, was recognised as the top young men's player, while his fellow countrywoman Doha El Madani held onto her status as the leading young women's player.
Bubista, the coach for Cape Verde, received the men's coach of the year award after guiding the country of 525000 residents to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Nigerian goalkeeper, claimed her third successive women's goalkeeper of the year title.