Achraf Hakimi clinches 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Award with dominant margin

Achraf Hakimi has been named the winner of the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, earning the prestigious title with a commanding lead over fellow contenders.

The Moroccan international, who plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, becomes the first player from the French club to top the podium in the history of the award.

He takes over from Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, last year’s winner, and adds another significant achievement to his already distinguished career.

“It’s a huge source of pride,” Hakimi said in reaction to the honour, speaking to Radio France Internationale during the UNFP Trophies ceremony held on Sunday evening in Paris.

“I saw that I was on the list, then I saw the three finalists. It’s a great feeling to have years of hard work recognised with this prize. I’m very happy.”

This marks Hakimi’s fifth nomination for the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, which is awarded annually to the best African player in Ligue 1. Last season, he finished as the runner-up.

This year, however, the result was never in doubt. His performances with PSG were exceptional, contributing four goals and eight assists across just 24 league appearances.

His influence extended well beyond the stat sheet, offering consistency and leadership throughout the campaign.

As captain of the Moroccan national team, the Atlas Lions, Hakimi has amassed 83 caps and scored 10 goals. His continued form for both club and country has positioned him as one of the continent’s standout players and a prominent figure on the global football stage.

With this win, Hakimi becomes the fourth Moroccan to receive the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, following in the footsteps of Marouane Chamakh (2009), Younes Belhanda (2012), and Sofiane Boufal (2016).

He also joins an exclusive list as only the second defender to secure the award, after DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba achieved the feat in 2023.

Hakimi’s 2024–25 campaign has not only brought him personal accolades but could also end with a treble. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title and remain in contention for two more major trophies as the season draws to a close.

The award, named in memory of the late Cameroon international Marc-Vivien Foé, is given based on votes from a panel of journalists and football experts.

Hakimi’s commanding lead in this year’s voting underscores the consensus surrounding his impact on the pitch and the respect he commands within the sport.

This latest honour further bolsters Hakimi’s case for the upcoming African Ballon d’Or, a prize that narrowly eluded him last year.

With his current trajectory and continued excellence, he is widely seen as one of the frontrunners for that title in 2025.

Achraf Hakimi’s recognition by the Marc-Vivien Foé jury not only cements his legacy among Ligue 1’s elite but also reinforces his role as a trailblazer for Moroccan football on the international stage.