In an unprecedented celebration of football excellence, Morocco has firmly established itself as North African’s finest with good infrastructure, player development that have culminated into a historic sweep at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, where Moroccan international, Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the continent’s highest football honors. This achievement comes as Morroco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The 2025 CAF Awards ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat on November 19th, 2025 represented more than just an annual celebration of African football, it served as the platform for Morroco’s growing influence in football, From Hakimi ‘s win as the first defender to the recognition of Chebbak in the women’s category.
Achraf Hakimi’s coronation as the CAF Men’s player of the Year marked the culmination of a journey that began with his early career at the Real Madrid and progressed through successful spells at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan before establishing himself as a World-class defender at Paris Saint- Germain. His victory made him the first Moroccan to claim the award since Mustapha Hadji in 1998, breaking a 27-year drought .
As the Vice -captain and defensive stalwart for Paris Saint- Germain, Hakimi played an instrumental role in the French club’s winning season, which included their first UEFA champions League title, a ligue 1 championship and a Coupe de France victory. His contributions extended beyond domestic success to include the UEFA Super Cup and a runner-up finish in the FIFA club World Cup.
On the other hand, was Ghizlane Chebbak victory in the women’s category, which recognized her performance throughout the year. The 35-year old forward and Moroccan national team captain had a remarkable year, finishing as the top scorer at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) where Morroco reached the final, before securing a high profile move to Saudi club Al-Hilal. Her consistency throughout 2025, gave her the honor of the first Moroccan woman to claim African football ‘s highest.
Morocco’s ascendency in African football is no accident phenomenon but rather the results of strategic long-term planning. The nation’s successful bid to co-host the 2030, FIFA World Cup represents a culmination of years deliberation aimed to establish Morocco as World- class football. The joint bid, officially known as “Yalla Vamos 2030” scored a 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s evaluation, exceeding minimum hosting requirements.
Over the years, Morroco has served as the venue for numerous competitions, like the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the 2023 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON, this marks the second time Morroco has hosted AFCON since 1988 edition.
An overview of the 2025 CAF Awards Winners:
Men’s Coach of the Year Bubista Cape Verde
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year Yassine Bounou Morocco
Women’s Goalkeeper of the year Chiamaka Nnadozie Nigeria
Men’s Young player of the Year Othmane Maamma Morocco
Women’s Player of the year Doha El Madani Morroco
Men’s National Team of the Year Morocco U-20
Women’s National Team player of the Year Nigeria
Men’s Club of the year Pyramids Egypt
Men’s inter club player of the year Fiston Mayele DR Congo
The revolution of football in Morocco represents not just national achievement but a significant progress in African football
