Morocco enjoyed one of its most memorable evenings in continental football as Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak headlined a glittering night at the CAF Awards 2025 in Rabat. The ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, celebrated Africa’s finest performers across club and international football, delivering a clean sweep of top honours for the Atlas Lions and Lionesses.
The star-studded event brought together football icons, coaches, administrators, and rising talents, underscoring CAF’s growing commitment to elevating African football on the global stage. From individual brilliance to collective triumphs, the night spotlighted a year of remarkable milestones across the continent.
Read: Chiamaka Nnadozie Wins CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the Third Time
Hakimi Makes History as Morocco Shines in Men’s Categories
Achraf Hakimi claimed the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first defender to win the award in 52 years—since TP Mazembe’s Bwanga Tshimen in 1973. His victory also marked Morocco’s first triumph in the category since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, ending a 27-year wait.
Hakimi’s win followed an exceptional 2025 campaign in which he lifted the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and reached the FIFA Club World Cup final with PSG. His consistency for both club and country strengthened his case, especially as he helped Morocco secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco’s dominance extended beyond Hakimi.
- Yassine Bounou earned the CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year after a standout season with Al Hilal and a strong showing at the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Othmane Maamma won Men’s Young Player of the Year, rewarded for his influential role in Morocco’s historic win at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
- The Morocco U-20 men’s team clinched Men’s National Team of the Year, further affirming the nation’s successful generational rebuild.
Cape Verde’s Bubista also made history by winning CAF Men’s Coach of the Year, after guiding the Blue Sharks to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
Egypt’s Pyramids FC closed their impressive season with the CAF Men’s Club of the Year award, recognizing their maiden CAF Champions League triumph. Tanzania’s Clement Mzize captured the Goal of the Year for a stunning long-range effort in the CAF Champions League—a fan-voted moment.
Read: Super Falcons Named Africa’s Best Women’s Team Again
Chebbak Breaks New Ground as Nigerian Stars Shine in Women’s Categories
On the women’s side, Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, capping off a standout season. She led the scoring chart at the 2024 WAFCON, guiding Morocco to a runners-up finish, and later secured a move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal, linking up with African icon Asisat Oshoala.
Morocco also celebrated the rise of Doha El Madani, who retained the Women’s Young Player of the Year accolade following a record-breaking season with AS FAR and her heroics at the CAF Women’s Futsal AFCON.
Nigeria enjoyed a strong presence as well:
- Chiamaka Nnadozie earned the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive year, following her key role in Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title and her breakthrough performances for Brighton.
- The Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year, retaining the award for the second straight year thanks to their resilience and consistency during the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
Other awards will be unveiled after the conclusion of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt, including the women’s interclub and coach categories.
The 2025 ceremony ultimately delivered a defining moment for Moroccan football, showcasing the country’s sweeping progress across youth, club, and senior levels. At the same time, it reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing leadership in the women’s game, highlighting the growth and influence of African football on the global stage.
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