Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi finally stepped into continental glory on Wednesday night as he clinched the prestigious African Ballon d’Or at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco, ending two consecutive years of finishing as runner-up. For many across the continent, the Moroccan defender’s triumph felt long overdue.

Hakimi outshone Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen to claim the top prize, succeeding 2024 winner Ademola Lookman. The PSG right-back has been widely hailed as one of world football’s most complete defenders, with analysts and fans alike praising his unmatched consistency.

His rise to continental supremacy comes on the back of a spectacular few years with Morocco’s national team. Hakimi was at the heart of the historic 2022 World Cup run that saw the Atlas Lions become the first African and Arab side to reach the semi-finals, an achievement still celebrated across the globe.

Beyond national glory, Hakimi has dominated European football with staggering efficiency. He currently boasts the most goal contributions by a defender (30) in Europe’s top five leagues, a statistic that cements his attacking prowess from the backline.

Even more impressively, only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk recorded more successful passes among defenders in the same period. Hakimi’s influence is felt on every blade of grass, whether defending deep or charging forward through opposition lines.

His club success also added weight to his victory. Last season, Hakimi played a crucial role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign, lifting the French Ligue 1, the French Cup, and a historic first UEFA Champions League trophy for the Paris giants.

Hakimi’s win not only reaffirms his place at the top of African football but also signals a new era in which defenders are finally getting their flowers. For Morocco, it is yet another night to remember as their star continues to shine brightest on the continent.