Morocco’s Black Lions Crown Hakimi: A Historic CAF Award Night Sparks Roars of Joy

Hakimi Crowned Africas Best Player as Morocco Celebrates

Inside the Mohammed VI Hall in Rabat, a sea of Moroccan football icons filled the venue, several having hung up their boots decades ago, all gathering to witness the CAF Awards_PAYOFF. The atmosphere mixed reverence with festive energy, because when Moroccans celebrate, the party comes with style and a side of history.

Achraf Hakimi, the captain of the Atlas Lions, was crowned Africas Best Player, arriving with family and receiving backing from his club chief, Nasser Al-Khelaifi of Paris Saint-Germain. The scene underscored a night where club and country intersected in a single spotlight, and the crowd could not hide its pride—or its selfie sticks.

The Moroccan Football Federation had not left the moment to chance. They invited multiple generations of Moroccan greats to bolster Hakimi as he recovers from an ankle injury and to provide a mood boost ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Outside the venue, hundreds of fans cheered, wearing the national kit and Hakimi scarves; the vibe suggested a national Zaffa, albeit with football swagger rather than wedding bells.

Precision in organization, history in the making

Morocco emerged this night as the only African country to have hosted the CAF Awards four times—a record that started in 2020 in Rabat on the Mohammed V stage when Sadio Mani claimed the Golden Ball. The second and third editions found a home in Marrakech at the Conference Palace, where Victor Osime9n and Ademola Lookman carried the glow. The fourth edition occurred at the Mohammed VI Complex, where Hakimi finished as runner-up the previous season and finally tasted victory this time around.

The anticipation was palpable: would this be the moment to break the long-standing CAF award drought for a Moroccan winner? The answer arrived at the end of the night, sealing a narrative that Moroccans had chased for more than a generation.

Mustapha Hadji then resurfaced in the limelight—an icon who had claimed this prize in 1998 and whose return to the festivities drew cheers. The gathering highlighted how Morocco has long nurtured a golden generation, and the ceremony served as a reminder that the nation remains a powerhouse in African football.

Generations united for Hakimi

Attorney of the moment, the event featured the strongest Moroccan stars from across eras, from the 1976 squad that sparked the countryfs first and only Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Ethiopia, to the 1986 and 1998 World Cup squads. The aim was to show Hakimi that the nation stands behind him as he strives toward the next big goal on home soil: the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Hakimia0b collected the African Player of the Year trophy, becoming the first African to win both Best Young Player (2019) and African Player of the Year (2025). The triumph reinforces his status as a Moroccan football icon, further solidifying the countrya0s standing in North Africa’s football landscape.

Impact beyond the awards

The ceremony underscored the influence Hakimi has on Moroccan football, but also the broader reach of the sport in the region. President of the Moroccan FA, Fawzi Laqqaej, voiced strong calls for CAF to uphold fair criteria and celebrate merit, especially after a season that tested resilience and sparked renewed optimism among fans. Walid Regragui, the national team coach, could not hide his satisfaction with the win, signaling a positive momentum as the team eyes upcoming fixtures and the continent itself looks on with anticipation.

Hakimi and the surrounding support will now pivot toward rehabilitation in Paris, with the same care and planning dedicated to his recovery as to his rise. The story is not just about a trophy; it is about a player who embodies a generation and a nation that continues to dream aloud.

Hakimi: history, destiny, and a dash of Moroccan magic

With this victory, Hakimi becomes a symbol of Moroccan excellence. He joins a rare group of players who have redefined a nationa0s potential and pushed it onto the global stage. For Morocco, the celebration is a reminder: the Black Lions are not just a metaphor for strength; they are a living, breathing force that travels from Rabat to Paris and back with every kick of the ball. And yes, the next big win is just around the corner.

And now, for a couple of Sniper-level punchlines to close on a high note: if Hakimi ever ran for president of the world, the campaign slogan would be “free assists for all.” If football were a weather forecast, Hakimi would be calling for sunny skies with a 100% chance of gold balls—just enough to drown out the rain of doubts with a golden downpour of glory.