Achraf Hakimi, leader of PSG and Moroccan icon

If the title of best African player of the year narrowly escaped him last Monday in Marrakech, Achraf Hakimi nonetheless remains an essential figure in continental football. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, despite the disappointment of not being crowned in front of his home crowd, continues to shine on the pitch and assert himself as a leader.

The awarding of the title of best African player sparked mixed reactions. After Real Madrid’s surprise at Rodri’s victory, it is Morocco’s turn to show its disappointment, recalls the newspaper The Parisian. Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian from Atalanta Bergamo, was voted best African player of the year, to the great dismay of Moroccan fans who hoped to see Hakimi triumph.