Achraf Hakimi won the 2025 African Golden Ball - Photo: CFA
On the evening of November 19 in Rabat (Morocco), Achraf Hakimi was named the winner of the 2025 African Golden Ball. The 27-year-old defender had to use crutches to go on stage to receive the award due to injury.
So what are the key factors that helped PSG's star surpass "Egyptian King" Mohamed Salah?
Historic treble with PSG
The decisive factor that makes the difference for Hakimi is the resounding success at club level. The 2024-2025 season saw him become an indispensable factor in the journey with PSG to win the historic treble, including the Champions League, Ligue 1 and French Cup titles.
They even added to their European Super Cup collection after beating Tottenham.
In that great achievement, Hakimi contributed 11 goals and 16 assists in all competitions. He made history by becoming the first defender in 52 years to be honored with the African Footballer of the Year award.
Salah's dominance in the Premier League is not enough
There is no denying that Mohamed Salah has had a successful season on a personal level. He has swept the Premier League awards, becoming the first player in history to win all three titles: Player of the Season, Top Scorer and King of Assists in the same season.
Achraf Hakimi had a very successful 2025 - Photo: REUTERS
The Egyptian striker played a major role in Liverpool's Premier League title win and was also voted PFA Player of the Year for the third time.
However, in a year where votes often prioritize major titles, Liverpool's failure to advance in the Champions League has become a minus point for Salah when compared to Hakimi.
Despite his outstanding individual stats, Salah's collective performance is less impressive than that of his Moroccan opponent.
Therefore, Hakimi's honor this year was predicted, when both Salah and Osimhen did not attend the gala.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nho-dau-hakimi-vuot-salah-de-gianh-qua-bong-vang-chau-phi-20251120100137383.htm
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