Mustapha Hadji snubs Salah and Eto’o to crown George Weah Africa’s king

Moroccan football legend Mustapha Hadji has named former Liberia striker George Weah as the greatest African footballer in history, placing him ahead of Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba.

Hadji, who won the African Footballer of the Year award in 1998, also believes Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi deserves to be named Africa’s best player in 2026 following his impressive season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Hadji backs Hakimi for 2026 award

The former Morocco international believes Hakimi has a strong case for the individual accolade after winning several domestic and continental trophies with PSG.

However, Hadji acknowledged that uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final means the award is not yet settled.

When asked by Quora which player deserves the honour this year, he said: “This is a very difficult question, especially in light of the crisis that occurred in the African Cup final, and therefore the title is not decided yet”.

He added: “Looking at other tournaments, it can be said that Achraf Hakimi has an advantage because he won the Champions League and almost all the tournaments in which he participated”.

Hakimi enjoyed a successful season with the French club, winning the French league, the domestic Super Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.

The Moroccan defender also helped his national team reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, with the identity of the champions still awaiting a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Hakimi finished 13th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Weah beats Salah, Eto’o and Drogba in Hadji’s choice

When the discussion turned to the greatest African footballer of all time, Hadji selected Weah, who remains the only African player to have won the men’s Ballon d’Or.

“This is also a difficult question, but I choose George Weah,” Hadji said.

Asked why he preferred the Liberian legend to other African greats, including Salah, Eto’o and Drogba, Hadji pointed to Weah’s historic achievement and his own experience of facing him on the pitch.

“Weah is the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or as the best player in the world, and I played against him, and I see that he is the king of the African continent”

Weah’s landmark Ballon d’Or triumph in 1995 cemented his place in football history, while Hadji’s latest comments underline the enduring legacy of the former Liberia captain in African football.