 |
Hakimi is the first defender to win the CAF award. |
Achraf Hakimi has rewritten history in a most impressive way. Since 1992, the title of “African Player of the Year” has been almost exclusively the domain of strikers and midfielders. But in the 2024/25 season, a defender has stepped up to the top for the first time, and that is Hakimi.
In Rabat, in a moment of pride and emotion, the Moroccan star walked onto the stage on crutches to receive the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The image of him hopping a few steps to avoid putting pressure on his injured leg silenced the audience, a symbol of the resilience of African football.
“This award is not just for me, but for all the strong men and women in Africa who dream of becoming footballers,” Hakimi said. It was not a conventional modesty, but a statement about the extraordinary journey of a generation of footballers from the black continent.
The 2024/25 season is the season Hakimi reaches new heights. He played a key role in PSG’s historic treble with 11 goals and 16 assists, and was named in the FIFPro and Champions League best XIs. Those numbers reflect not just a good attacking defender, but a decisive cog in a winning machine.
Hakimi’s win is therefore far more than an individual award. It confirms the growing role of defenders in modern football, who not only defend, but also provide attacking rhythm, open up tactical solutions and shape the style of the team.
Hakimi not only broke a stereotype that had existed for more than three decades. He opened a new chapter where defenders could become icons of top-level football.
Source: https://znews.vn/hakimi-di-vao-lich-su-post1604255.html
Comment (0)