Achraf Hakimi makes history as first African to earn three FIFPRO World 11 selections

Achraf Hakimi has become the first Moroccan and African player to be selected three times for the FIFPRO World 11.

The Morocco international was named in FIFPRO’s men’s team of the year, announced on Monday, after a season in which he played a prominent role in Paris Saint-Germain’s treble of the league title, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.

Hakimi was also recognised following Morocco’s success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a title awarded to the Atlas Lions after a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Jury.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back had previously been included in the FIFPRO team in 2022 and 2025. His latest selection moves him clear of a group of African football greats and gives him an outright record in the history of the award.

Hakimi, captain of Morocco, has won 103 international caps and scored 12 goals. His three appearances also mean he has overtaken Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who featured twice in succession in the first two editions of the team, in 2005 and 2006.

Former Cote d’Ivoire striker Didier Drogba is third among African players, having been selected once, in 2007.

Other leading African players have yet to make the team. Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Senegal forward Sadio Mane, both of whom were in contention alongside Hakimi for the African Ballon d’Or, remain without a selection.

The FIFPRO World 11 is chosen exclusively by professional footballers. The organisation said 26,317 players from exactly 75 countries took part in this year’s vote.

At 28, Hakimi has already established a significant lead over the African players who follow him in the rankings. His latest inclusion further strengthens his place in the history of the award and leaves him with the opportunity to extend that record in future editions.