Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi awarded African Player of the Year in Ligue 1
A Dynamic Defender's Time to Shine
Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan marvel and PSG's top right-back, has clinched the Marc-Vivien Foe Prize, a prestigious title recognizing the top African player in Ligue 1. This accolade comes following his impressive contributions to PSG's championship win and their epic trek to the Champions League final.
Beating out tough competition, Hakimi triumphed over Nice's forward Evann Guessand from Ivory Coast and Strasbourg's midfielder Habib Diarra from Senegal. The prize honors the memory of the late Cameroonian star, Marc-Vivien Foe, who passed away during a game in 2003.
Hakimi's spectacular performances have placed him amongst the world's finest right-backs and earned the attention of football fans worldwide. His remarkable goal against Arsenal in their Champions League semifinal second leg showcased his attack-minded prowess.
With the Champions League final set against Inter Milan on May 31 and the French Cup final against Reims upcoming, PSG is eyeing the coveted treble. Hakimi's indispensable role in the team is at the heart of these ambitions.
A proud moment for Moroccan football, Hakimi follows the footsteps of three fellow countrymen who previously brought home the award: Marouane Chamakh, Younès Belhanda, and Sofiane Boufal. The previous winner, Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, garnered the honor while playing for Marseille in 2024.
A force to be reckoned with on the global stage, Hakimi played a crucial role in the Moroccan team's historical run at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first African squad to reach the semi-finals.
In a separate matter, Hakimi has faced legal scrutiny since March 2023. Reports allege his involvement in an attempted racketeering case, but recent reliable sources lack information regarding a specific criminal investigation against him in France.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
Behind the Headlines
Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan professional footballer, is currently a key player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Moroccan national team. Having previously played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan, he is known for his dynamic and attack-minded style[1][2][3].
Controversy arose in March 2023 regarding a legal matter involving Hakimi in France; however, recent news sources suggest that he was involved in a separate case in Spain regarding allegations of infidelity and potentially falsifying evidence[4]. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding any legal matters involving Achraf Hakimi, it's best to consult recent and reliable news sources.
In the world of European football, Achraf Hakimi's remarkable performance in the Champions League, notably his goal against Arsenal, has marked him as a formidable force in the sport. Amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding a legal matter in France, Hakimi's unyielding contributions to his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and his home country, Morocco, stand out in the realm of football, particularly in the Champions League and other prominent European leagues.
