StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

LOVE FOR ACHRAF HAKIMI: KYLIAN MBAPPé CALLS HIM AFRICA'S ULTIMATE STAR

PSG's Achraf Hakimi wins 2025 African Player of the Year, beating Mohamed Salah & Victor Osimhen. The Moroccan star was honoured in Rabat after a trophy-laden season, receiving a heartfelt tribute from Kylian Mbappé.

Love For Achraf Hakimi: Kylian Mbappé Calls Him Africa's Ultimate Star
Mbappé Showers Hakimi With Praise

Following an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi was awarded the African Player of the Year honour in Rabat, surpassing both Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. His close friend Kylian Mbappe expressed his admiration by referring to him as "The King of Africa" in a heartfelt message celebrating his achievement. The bond they formed at PSG and continued despite their varying career paths was once again apparent.

Hakimi claimed the title of African Player of the Year. At the CAF Awards 2025 held in Rabat, Moroccan star Hakimi received the African Player of the Year award, marking one of the highest honours of his professional journey. After an exceptional 2024–25 season with PSG, he won the award for the first time, outpacing Osimhen and Liverpool icon Salah. For a player who has dedicated years to ascending in the sport, this moment symbolised significant recognition.

Hakimi became only the fifth Moroccan player to earn this honour at the ceremony, conducted at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. His home fans in the capital were beaming with pride. Already recognised as one of the season's top performers, the defender had celebrated victories in the Champions League, another Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Super Cup with PSG.

Fans were captivated by Hakimi's entrance to the event on a scooter, which showcased his determination to attend despite being injured. He had recently recovered from a severe ankle sprain caused by a tough tackle in the Champions League. "It is genuinely an honour for me to be present today, and I am thrilled to receive such a prestigious award," he stated while on stage. "This trophy is not solely for me; it also belongs to all the resilient African men and women who dream of becoming football players."

Mbappe's tribute to Hakimi: "The king of Africa." Shortly after Hakimi lifted the trophy, Mbappe shared one of the evening's most cherished messages on Instagram. "I love you, my brother," the Real Madrid star wrote alongside a photo of Hakimi holding the golden ball. "King of Africa. Congratulations, dear brother! This award is thoroughly deserved."

By including Moroccan flag emojis, the French forward heightened the emotional resonance and reaffirmed the strength of their friendship during their tenure at PSG from 2021 to 2024. Their three seasons at Parc des Princes, where they frequently travelled together, celebrated their goals, and openly supported one another, contributed to the deepening of their connection.

Mbappe's tribute stood out, especially because, although Hakimi ranked higher in the latest Ballon d'Or standings, Mbappe conveyed nothing but admiration, reflecting their deep mutual respect. Despite currently playing for different teams, their connection remains one of the strongest in professional football. 

Hakimi's accomplishments stem from years of consistent success, both at the club level and internationally. At PSG, he has emerged as one of Europe's most well-rounded full-backs, showcasing a remarkable blend of blistering speed, exceptional defensive capabilities, and a growing sense of leadership. His Champions League triumph last season capped an extraordinary period in which he delivered stellar performances under pressure. 

On the international stage, Hakimi is still a pivotal figure for the Moroccan national team. He was instrumental in the Atlas Lions' remarkable journey to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, making them the first African squad to reach that level. Since then, his leadership role has intensified, with head coach Walid Regragui relying heavily on his contributions both on and off the pitch.

Currently, the defender is recovering from a serious ankle injury, yet he remains hopeful about returning in time for Morocco's hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations. Winning the AFCON title at home would represent one of Hakimi's most significant professional milestones.

Looking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on December 21, Hakimi's primary focus is on his recovery. His overall fitness will be monitored closely, but it is expected that he will soon begin light training. Hakimi's involvement could prove vital in helping Morocco finally achieve their long-held ambition of winning the championship, a feat they have not accomplished since 1976.

For Mbappe, who is still having an excellent start to the 2025 season with Real Madrid, this occasion highlighted his leadership qualities and the strong relationships he maintains across the football world. Despite the packed schedule for Madrid, which includes La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup, the French star continues to be a crucial player for both his club and his country.

HOW MATVEI SAFONOV SAVED TWO PENALTIES WITH A BROKEN HAND WITHOUT FEELING PAIN

Matvei Safonov saved two penalties with a broken hand to help PSG win the Intercontinental Cup. Get the full medical update here.

top-news
How Matvei Safonov Saved Two Penalties With A Broken Hand Without Feeling Pain

On Wednesday in Qatar, during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, PSG's Matvey Safonov saved Flamengo’s Leo Pereira’s penalty in the shootout. (Reuters)

PSG coach Luis Enrique mentioned yesterday that Matvei Safonov may have saved two penalties with a broken hand, which helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Intercontinental Cup.

The Russian goalie blocked four penalty kicks during the shootout in Qatar on Wednesday. PSG barely beat Flamengo to win the trophy.

Luis Enrique said, “The player doesn’t even know how he did it.

“We believe it happened on the third penalty kick. He moved strangely and fractured his hand. He saved the last two shots despite the fracture. The adrenaline was so strong that he didn't feel any pain. It’s amazing.”

The club stated that “they will share more updates in three to four weeks.”

Luis Enrique, who has dealt with many injuries this season, mentioned he hasn’t spoken to Safonov yet.

Luis Enrique added, “It’s karma. Life is telling him he needs to rest and get better. With his attitude, he’ll be back stronger.”

Luis Enrique spoke before facing Vendee Fontenay in the French Cup.

The coach might keep playing backups in the domestic cups and choose third-choice Renato Marin as the goalie. However, he might use this chance to let Lucas Chevalier play his first game since recovering from an ankle injury.

Safonov’s performance seemed to stir up a debate about who should be the starting goalie for the European champions.

The 26-year-old Russian started the season as the second choice, but his winning plays in Qatar came after a few good performances while filling in for the injured Chevalier, who didn’t start the season so well.

Chevalier, who turned 24 in November, was brought in over the summer because coach Luis Enrique liked how he handled the ball with his feet, but he hasn’t always looked as good at stopping shots.

PSG DOMINANCE: WILL LUIS ENRIQUE’S CHAMPIONS OUTCLASS FLAMENGO IN THE DOHA FINAL

Luis Enrique and his star-studded PSG squad aim for more history in Qatar. Discover if the Parisians can conquer South America’s best.

top-news
Can Underdogs Flamengo Stun FIFA’s ‘Best’ Team of the Year

Just about three months after winning the Ballon d'Or, Ousmane Dembélé snagged another big one: FIFA's Best Men's player of the year award.

In the 2024-2025 season, the 28-year-old French player scored 35 goals and assisted 16, helping PSG clinch four trophies, including their first Champions League title.

Coach Luis Enrique was named the 'Best' coach for leading the team to victory.

The 55-year-old Spaniard took over from Christophe Galtier at PSG in July 2023.

By the next July, his squad, featuring Kylian Mbappé, had already grabbed the Ligue 1 title, the French Super Cup, and the Coupe de France.

After Mbappé left for Real Madrid, Enrique reshaped his team, and they dominated domestically for a second season. They also crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.

Even though Chelsea beat PSG for the FIFA Club World Cup in July, PSG bounced back by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the European Super Cup final in August.

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, along with Portuguese players Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, and Vitinha, joined Dembélé in FIFA's 'Best' men's team of the year.

Their spot on the team shows how well they performed all year, securing titles like the club's first Champions League win, PSG stated after the FIFA awards in Doha, Qatar.

On Wednesday night at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Enrique and his top players will face Flamengo, the Copa Libertadores champions (South America's version of the Champions League).

Flamengo is doing great right now; they've won many trophies, Enrique said. I like how they play. I remember watching them at the Club World Cup. They played some amazing games. They're a great team with and without the ball.

After the game in Doha, PSG will head back to France to defend their Coupe de France title against Vendée Fontenay Foot, an amateur team in the fifth tier of French soccer.

"We wanted to make history with PSG last season, and we did," Enrique added. Now, we want to keep it going this season. We need to be ready and focused against Flamengo.

Every moment could be key. I think the team has the same attitude this season that they had last season.

Filipe Luis, Flamengo's coach, admitted that his team is the underdog. "PSG is the best team worldwide," said the 40-year-old Brazilian.

They proved that by winning the Champions League. They're here because they're the best, and we're going to try our best to win and make history.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News