Morocco coach Walid Regragui backs Achraf Hakimi secure AFRICAN Footballer of the Year award

Head coach of the Moroccan national team, Walid Regragui has thrown his weight behind Paris Saint Germain star Achraf Hakimi to secure the African Football of the Year at the CAF awards.

Hakimi, who is currently injured enjoyed an amazing campaign, helping the French Ligue 1 giants to secure a historic double including the UEFA Champions League title.

The pacey right-back faces a stiffer competition from Egyptian star Mohammed Salah and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen in the Player of the Year race.

However, Regragui has backed Hakimi to clinch the accolade, insisting he has all the credentials to win the prestigious gong following a sensational season with PSG.

The last time a Moroccan won the African Football of the Year awards was back in 1998, where Mustapha Hadji bagged the covetous accolade.

Meanwhile, Regragui has hailed Hakimi’s leadership style both on and off the field, and appreciates his continued support in his absence.

“We hope that Hakimi will win the African Ballon d’Or. The last player to win it was Mustapha Hadji, and it has been a long time since a Moroccan player has won it”

“Hakimi is a leader, and we thank him because, even when he is not with us, he has never stopped reaching out to us and supporting us. He is amazing, both on and off the field.”

The 2025 CAF awards has been scheduled for Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025 in Morocco.

Hakimi has been in top form, winning the Marc-Vivien Foé Award for best African player in France’s top division and ranking 6th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Currently injured, he will be hoping to recover in time for the impending AFCON 2025 tournament to be staged in Morocco.