Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – In a decision that has sent shockwaves through the Moroccan football world, Morocco’s revered right-back Achraf Hakimi was overlooked for the 2024 African Player of the Year award during the CAF Awards held tonight in Marrakech.
Despite Hakimi’s year of extraordinary achievements at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and with the Moroccan national team, the accolade went to Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, sparking widespread debate and controversy among fans, analysts, and footballing figures.
Fans demand answers
The decision to award the title to Lookman, who had an impressive season in Serie A, has ignited outrage among some Atlas Lions fans on social media.
Many fans argue that Hakimi’s contributions far outshine those of his competitors, especially considering his dual role as a defensive stalwart and offensive creator.
A post on X reads, “Achraf Hakimi is NOT the African Golden Ball! What a theft! It’s shameful!”
The controversy has been amplified by the timing and venue of the awards. Held in Morocco, the ceremony was expected to be a crowning moment for Hakimi, who remains one of the country’s most celebrated athletes.
Some fans and commentators have even speculated that Hakimi’s failure to win the award may be linked to political dynamics within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With CAF president Patrice Mostepe being South African, some believe there may have been a bias in the choice of players. While this is purely speculative, it has sparked debates on whether such factors could have influenced the voting process.
Instead, the outcome left fans and attendees visibly shocked, with audible murmurs of discontent filling the venue as the winner was announced, and fans cheering for Hakimi instead.
From Madrid streets to global stardom
Hakimi was born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain, to Moroccan parents from Oued Zem and Ksar el-Kebir. Growing up in humble circumstances, Hakimi’s football journey began when he joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2006 at just eight years old.
His raw talent quickly propelled him through the ranks, and by 2016, he was playing for Real Madrid Castilla.
Hakimi made his first-team debut for Real Madrid in 2017, stepping in as a backup for Dani Carvajal. Though his early appearances were limited, he made a mark by scoring two La Liga goals and playing in the Champions League-winning squad during the 2017–18 season.
To gain more experience, Hakimi joined Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan deal in 2018. It was in the Bundesliga that his attacking prowess as a right-back came to light.
Hakimi scored and assisted in key matches, including an unforgettable brace against Inter Milan in the 2019–20 Champions League. He also set a Bundesliga speed record of 36.48 km/h, confirming his reputation as one of the fastest players in the world.
After an impressive stint in Germany, Hakimi signed with Inter Milan in 2020 for a reported fee of €40 million. He played a pivotal role in helping Inter clinch the 2020–21 Serie A title, their first in 11 years.
In July 2021, Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for €68 million, becoming one of the most expensive defenders in football history.
Since then, he has become a cornerstone of PSG’s success, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and breaking the club’s all-time assist record with 24 assists.
A leader for Morocco on the world stage
Despite being born in Spain, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco, the country of his parents, at the international level. His loyalty to his heritage has made him a beloved figure in Moroccan football.
The right-back made his senior debut for Morocco in 2016 at just 17 years old, becoming a mainstay in the national team ever since. He has represented Morocco in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Hakimi’s crowning international moment came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored the decisive penalty in a dramatic shootout against Spain in the round of 16, famously sealing Morocco’s place in the quarter-finals with a bold panenka.
Morocco ultimately became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, a historic achievement that elevated Hakimi’s status as a global icon.
In 2024, Hakimi captained Morocco’s Olympic football team, helping them secure a bronze medal with standout performances, including goals against the United States and Egypt.
A season of milestones
Hakimi’s 2024 season has been a testament to his consistency and versatility. Under PSG manager Luis Enrique, he has evolved into a more complete player, earning praise for his defensive maturity and leadership on the pitch.
This season, Hakimi has already been named Le Parisien’s Player of the Month for November and has started in every one of PSG’s matches, showcasing his reliability. His record-breaking 24 assists mirror his attacking influence, while his tactical intelligence has made him one of the best right-backs in the world.
Internationally, he continued to deliver for Morocco during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scoring a key goal in the group stage. Although the team exited in the round of 16, Hakimi’s performances stood out as a reminder of his enduring quality.
Hope is not lost!
While the controversy over the CAF Awards continues to unfold, Hakimi’s focus remains on the pitch. With PSG extending his contract until 2029, he is set to play a leading role in the club’s future ambitions.
For Morocco, Hakimi remains the undisputed leader of the national team as they prepare for the 2025 AFCON and the 2020 FIFA World Cup.
Though he may not have taken home the African Player of the Year award, Hakimi’s legacy is far from defined by a single trophy. For his fans, the decision is just a temporary setback for a player whose greatness is undeniable.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain: Achraf Hakimi’s story is far from over, and his quest for recognition will continue to inspire millions.
