The Moroccan full-back received the accolade after an outstanding 2025 season with PSG, during which he lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Super Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hakimi is the first Moroccan player to take the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998 and the first defender to do so since Zaire\u2019s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It is really a proud moment for me to win this prestigious award. This trophy is not just for me, but all the strong men and women who have dreams of being a footballer in African,\" Hakimi said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Morocco also dominated several other categories, with Saudi-based striker Ghizlane Chebbak named Women\u2019s Footballer of the Year and Al-Hilal keeper Yassine Bounou taking the Men\u2019s Goalkeeper of the Year award.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"And for those that always believed in me since I was a child, that I would be a professional footballer one day. I would like to thank them all.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cape Verde\u2019s Bubista was honoured as Coach of the Year after guiding the small island nation to its first-ever World Cup appearance, set to take place next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\r\n\r\n