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Rabat – Achraf Hakimi’s win at the 2025 African Ballon d’Or in Rabat has been widely praised by International Media, who described the award as a deserved recognition of his exceptional season with Paris Saint‑Germain.
The Moroccan right-back became the fifth player from his country to win the honor, after years of consistent performances for both club and national team.
French media
French outlet RMC Sport called the award the result of an “XXL season.” Hakimi played a decisive role in PSG’s historic Champions League-winning campaign, scoring in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final of Europe’s top tournament for clubs.
He finished the season with 11 goals and 16 assists in 55 matches, numbers rarely achieved by a full‑back. RMC highlighted his growth under coach Luis Enrique, noting his balance between defensive discipline and attacking impact.
L’Équipe stressed that Hakimi’s success went beyond the individual award. He collected multiple trophies with PSG, including the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the French Cup, and Ligue 1.
Achraf Hakimi récompensé du trophée de meilleur joueur africain de l’année 2025
➡️ https://t.co/uz6FCeMxWv pic.twitter.com/IBS3nHZWJh— L’Équipe (@lequipe) November 19, 2025
The paper pointed out that Hakimi beat strong rivals such as Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen, and argued that the award gives him confidence ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco.
Le Parisien focused on the achievement. Hakimi won the award on his third attempt, after finishing second in the previous two years, and did so in his home country, it recalled.
The newspaper described the moment as historic, marking the culmination of the PSG right-back’s rise from a promising talent to one of the best defenders in the world.
Spanish media
Spanish media also praised Hakimi’s 2025 African Ballon d’Or as a historic and deserved award.
Marca called him “the great favorite” and highlighted his Champions League triumph with PSG, noting his past honors, including African Ballon d’Or in 2018 and 2019 and Moroccan Player of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2025.
They also reported his recovery in Murcia from an ankle injury, stressing his determination to play at AFCON in Morocco.
🏆 Achraf recibe el premio que le corona como mejor futbolista africano 🏆
🤕 El jugador del PSG, que está lesionado, llegó a la gala ayudado de un andador pic.twitter.com/zYQQVPkrMH
— MARCA (@marca) November 19, 2025
AS described the award as “the icing on a season to remember,” pointing out Hakimi beat Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after winning five major trophies with PSG.
They cited his decisive Champions League final goal and quoted Kylian Mbappe as saying of Hakimi : “I love you, brother. King of Africa. Well done, my brother, it is a more than deserved award.”
Mundo Deportivo stressed the symbolic side, calling Hakimi’s win in Rabat “justice for a player at the top level.”
Hakimi’s award shows Morocco’s progress in football. Since reaching the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions have continued to earn respect worldwide.
The award confirms him as one of the best Moroccan players ever and a symbol of African success.
