Achraf Hakimi has made football history, becoming the first Moroccan player in 26 years to win the African Ballon d’Or. The last Moroccan to claim the prize was Mustapha Hadji in 1998, and Hakimi’s recognition marks a major milestone for both his country and his exceptional season. The PSG right-back delivered one of the most complete and dominant campaigns ever recorded by a defender. He helped Paris Saint-Germain secure a clean sweep of major titles like the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the Trophée des Champions, making PSG one of the most decorated teams of the season.
Hakimi’s consistency and influence were undeniable. He scored in the Champions League quarter-final, semi-final, and final, contributing a remarkable 11 goals and 17 assists across 55 matches in all competitions. His form briefly placed him in the global Ballon d’Or conversation, where he ultimately finished sixth, the highest-ranking defender on the list. Last year, Hakimi narrowly missed out on the African award, but he promised fans he would return stronger. This year, he delivered on that promise. Despite nursing an ankle injury, the 26-year-old lifted the trophy during a ceremony in Rabat, celebrating alongside supporters and joining an elite list of African legends including Mohamed Salah, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Sadio Mané. Hakimi’s win is not only a personal triumph, it also marks a proud moment for Moroccan and African football.
