Achraf Hakimi is more than just a full-back – PSG manager Luis Enrique

Paris Saint Germain manager Luis Enrique has eulogized Morocco star Achraf Hakimi after being crowned as the African Footballer of the Year.

Hakimi won the African Player of the Year award, beating out Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool and Egypt star who won the award twice in 2017 and 2018, and Nigerian Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker who won the same award in 2013 when he was playing for Napoli on Wednesday at the 2025 CAF awards, held in Morocco.

The pacey defender’s outstanding contribution for club and country paid off, clinching the covetous accolade on home soil. Hakimi played a pivotal role for Paris Saint-Germain, helping the club to secured historic treble last season.

His contributions were central to PSG’s victories in the Champions League, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions and the UEFA Super Cup.

Beyond his domestic and European success, Hakimi also proved instrumental in guiding Morocco to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, adding weight to a campaign marked by excellence and consistency.

“I’m very happy for Achraf. He was at a top level. I often joke with him, but for me he’s more than just a full-back. He’s a full-back, but also a winger, a midfielder, even a No. 9.

We have to keep going. I don’t really like individual awards; I think players should focus on serving the team — just like Hakimi does.”

The former Real Madrid defender becomes the second Moroccan player to secure the African Footballer of the Year award after Mustapha Hadji, who won it back in 1998.

Hakimi is currently injured, but hopes to recover in time for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be staged in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.