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The Shifting Sands of African Football Royalty
The prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, a beacon recognizing African football's elite, is once again sparking intense debate, but this time, the narrative seems to be unequivocally tilting in favor of Achraf Hakimi. Following a truly monumental season capped by Paris Saint-Germain's historic UEFA Champions League triumph, the Moroccan full-back has, by all accounts, "blown Mohamed Salah out of the water" in the race for Africa's most coveted individual honor. While Salah continues to be a formidable force in the Premier League, Hakimi's extraordinary blend of defensive solidity, attacking prowess, and, crucially, a trophy cabinet brimming with major silverware, has created a compelling case that is increasingly difficult for even the most ardent Salah supporters to ignore.
For years, Mohamed Salah has stood as the undisputed king of African football, consistently delivering staggering goal tallies and leading Liverpool to domestic and European glory. His electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and unwavering consistency have earned him multiple individual accolades, including two previous CAF Player of the Year awards. Indeed, the 2024/2025 Premier League season saw Salah continue his prolific form, netting an impressive 29 goals in 38 matches and claiming the Golden Boot for a record-equalling fourth time, a testament to his enduring quality and status as one of the world's premier attackers. While Liverpool may not have captured the Premier League title this season, Salah's individual brilliance was undeniable, providing moments of magic and crucial contributions throughout their campaign. His Champions League performances also remained strong, with 3 goals and 4 assists in 9 appearances. For many, Salah's sheer statistical output alone has always been a powerful argument in his favor.
However, the CAF Player of the Year award is not solely a numbers game for attackers. It encompasses overall performance, impact on team success, and the collection of significant trophies. This is where Achraf Hakimi has made an irrefutable surge to the forefront. The Moroccan international has enjoyed a truly glorious season with Paris Saint-Germain, not only leading his team to a domestic quadruple but also playing an instrumental role in their maiden UEFA Champions League title. PSG's comprehensive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, where Hakimi opened the scoring with a brilliant goal, was the crowning jewel of a campaign that saw them dominate on all fronts.
Hakimi's statistics for the 2024/2025 season are astounding for a right-back. In the Champions League alone, he contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 17 appearances, showcasing an attacking output that rivals many forwards. Domestically, he added another 5 goals and 7 assists across Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France. These are not merely good numbers for a defender; they are game-changing contributions from a player who operates as both a robust defender and a relentless attacking threat. His ability to overlap, deliver pinpoint crosses, and score crucial goals from deep positions has become a hallmark of PSG's offensive strategy. He is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in world football, and his performances this season have only solidified that reputation.
Beyond the raw numbers, Hakimi's impact on PSG's collective success cannot be overstated. He was a fundamental pillar in a team that secured the Trophée des Champions, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the coveted UEFA Champions League. Winning four major trophies, especially the Champions League, carries immense weight in the CAF Player of the Year calculations. The award often heavily favors players who have achieved significant team silverware at the highest level, reflecting the individual's contribution to collective triumph. While Salah's individual brilliance for Liverpool is undeniable, his team's relative lack of major trophies in the 2024/2025 season compared to PSG's dominant sweep will likely be a significant factor.
The CAF Player of the Year voting process typically involves input from a diverse panel, including media members, head coaches of national teams, national team captains, and the CAF Technical Committee. These voters often consider a holistic view of a player's season: individual statistics, consistency, impact on big games, and, critically, trophies won at both club and international levels. In this regard, Hakimi's season ticks every box. His consistent excellence, his decisive contributions in crucial matches, and his role in PSG's unprecedented quadruple, including the Champions League, present a compelling and arguably unassailable case.
Furthermore, Hakimi's influence extends beyond club football. As a key figure for the Moroccan national team, he continues to be a beacon of African football on the global stage. His leadership and consistent high-level performances for the Atlas Lions further bolster his credentials, demonstrating his impact at both club and international levels.
While Victor Osimhen, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, also had a strong season with Napoli, his club's performance, particularly in the Champions League, did not reach the heights of PSG's. This further solidifies Hakimi's position as the leading contender.
In essence, the narrative surrounding the CAF Player of the Year award for 2025 appears to be undergoing a significant shift. While Mohamed Salah remains an undeniable superstar and a legend of African football, Achraf Hakimi's truly sensational season, marked by his unparalleled contributions as a modern full-back and the unprecedented success of Paris Saint-Germain, has propelled him to the forefront. The balance of individual brilliance, combined with significant collective silverware, has created a potent argument that may very well see Hakimi crowned as the new king of African football, marking a significant milestone for defenders in the continent's most prestigious individual accolade.
Source@Pulse Sports