November 19, 2025, will forever be etched in history as the day Africa crowned its new king. Achraf Hakimi today won the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award, culminating in an exceptional year marked by club consistency and national team heroism. This award is the ultimate recognition of his status as arguably the best attacking right-back in the world, a consecration that honors not only his individual talent but also the historic epic journey he led with the Moroccan national team. His victory is a powerful symbol for the entire African youth, proving that it is possible to reach the highest peaks while proudly carrying one’s heritage.
A Player Presentation: The Flying Wing-Back with a Dual Identity
But beyond this supreme recognition, who exactly is this athlete with the meteoric trajectory? Achraf Hakimi Mouh is a Moroccan international footballer, playing as a right-back or wing-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Born on November 4, 1998, he is unanimously recognized for his explosive speed, exceptional stamina, and decisive offensive contributions, placing him at the core of his coaches’ tactical setups. His ability to cover the entire right flank makes him indispensable, transforming a traditionally defensive role into that of an extra attacker. His identity, forged between Europe and Africa, is central to his unwavering commitment on the field.
From Getafe to the Limelight: Childhood in Spain
To understand the ascent of this phenomenon, one must trace back to the roots of his story, anchored in the suburbs of Madrid. Achraf Hakimi was born and raised in Getafe, in the Community of Madrid, within a family of Moroccan immigrants originally from Ksar El Kébir. Far from the flashy football fields, his childhood was that of a modest family, where his parents worked tirelessly to support their children. His father, a cook, and his mother, a cleaner, instilled in him the values of discipline and sacrifice. It is this dual culture—European upbringing and Moroccan pride—that forged his character and his unyielding commitment to the national team, a choice of the heart made very early on.
History and Career Path: A Rapid Climb Across Europe
The history of his football journey is that of a precocious talent scouted by the biggest club in the world. Achraf Hakimi joined the prestigious Real Madrid youth academy at the age of seven. He climbed the ranks until making his first-team debut in 2017, an impressive step for any young player. However, to gain playing time and fully develop, he was loaned to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga (2018–2020). It was from this spell in Germany that his career took on a truly international dimension: there he discovered the wing-back role and revealed his decisive offensive impact. Strong with this acquired maturity, he was subsequently transferred to Inter Milan (2020–2021) where he played an essential role in conquering the Serie A title under Antonio Conte. This cross-continental efficiency ultimately led to his record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, placing him at the pinnacle of the world’s most expensive defenders.
Between Doubts and Glory: Disappointments and Memorable Exploits
While trophies illustrate his success story, Hakimi’s career is also marked by moments of doubt and feats that extend far beyond club victories.
The primary disappointment of his career was undoubtedly his inability to permanently establish himself at Real Madrid, his formative and childhood club. Being sold permanently after his loan at Dortmund was heartbreaking, symbolizing the difficulty for a young talent to break through against the competition of the Galácticos. With the national team, early eliminations during certain Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, particularly in 2022 against Egypt, represented painful setbacks for both the player and the nation.
Achraf Hakimi’s exploits, however, are far more resounding.
- Serie A Title (2021): Winning an Italian league title under Antonio Conte, breaking Juventus’s long-standing hegemony, was proof of his immediate impact on a major championship.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup: His most memorable exploit is undeniably Morocco’s run to the semi-finals in Qatar. Hakimi was a defensive and offensive pillar. His decisive penalty in the Round of 16 against Spain (his country of birth) not only qualified Morocco but was also a moment of immense emotional and symbolic magnitude, propelling him to national hero status.
- The African Player of the Year (2025): Finally, his crowning achievement today is the personal exploit that rewards his consistency at the highest level and his role as an ambassador for African football on the international stage.
Achraf Hakimi’s story is a compelling synthesis of speed, skill, and enduring national pride. His journey—from the youth ranks of Real Madrid to becoming a pivotal figure at Paris Saint-Germain—is defined by relentless forward momentum. The African Player of the Year award is not just a trophy for a brilliant individual season; it is validation of his rare ability to deliver high-impact performances across multiple elite leagues and, most profoundly, for his nation on the world stage. As he enters his prime, Hakimi remains a potent force, embodying the ambition of African football and promising many more years of electrifying, history-making runs down the right flank.
A well-deserved reward in football