Hakimi blows Salah out of the water to become CAF POTY favourite after PSG heroics

Achraf Hakimi might have just sealed the 2025 CAF African Player of the Year award with one of the most dominant seasons ever by a defender.

After PSG’s historic Champions League win, the Moroccan has leapfrogged Mohamed Salah in the race for the continent’s biggest individual prize.

The Moroccan star made Champions League history by becoming the first defender to score in every knockout stage from the quarter-finals to the final.

His opening goal against Inter Milan set the tone for PSG’s stunning 5-0 victory, and capped off a campaign filled with milestones.

Hakimi reached an impressive nine goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, including nine Champions League goal contributions, equalling Ian Harte’s 2000/01 record for most goal involvements by a defender in the competition.

Those numbers, paired with PSG’s treble-winning run, have cemented Hakimi’s place among Africa’s elite.

Mohamed Salah had another brilliant year, racking up 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions while helping Liverpool win the Premier League.

However, his influence waned in the games that matter most, failing to shine in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle and going quiet in Liverpool’s Round of 16 loss to PSG.

In contrast, Hakimi delivered clutch moments at every stage, becoming the heartbeat of PSG’s European run.

For many voters, that difference in decisive impact could be the tipping point. After two runner-up finishes, Hakimi looks ready to take the crown.