Achraf Hakimi could beat everyone to the post

On December 16, 2024, CAF will reveal the name of the 2024 African Player of the Year during the CAF Awards which will take place in Morocco. There are currently ten footballers in the running for this holy grail. Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan from Paris Saint-Germain, could well beat everyone to the post and claim his first consecration for this individual title, at home what's more.

Amine Gouiri, Edmond Tapsoba, Simon Adingra, Chancel Mbemba, Serhou Guirassy, ​​Achraf Hakimi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong and Ronwen Williams: here are the 10 finalists for the 2024 African Player of the Year trophy. A battle Epic looms between these different stars of the continent. And if for several years the winner was known weeks in advance, this year, the competition promises to be tighter even if one lead could be ahead of everyone as it seems “programmed” to win.

First crowned defender?

The title of African Player of the Year has had this name since 1992. And on the occasion of the CAF Awards 2024, Achraf Hakimi could very well become the first defender to win this distinction which has been under the lap of attackers and midfielders since during. Moreover, the last time an African defender was elected best footballer of the year, the distinction still bore the title of African Ballon d'Or and was awarded by France football. It was in 1973 with the coronation of Zaire defender Tshimen Bwanga.

Achraf Hakimi could therefore make history. Especially since a Moroccan player has not won the title since Moustapha Hadji in 1998 when Hakimi was only a month old. The right back can count on his record in 2024 with the French championship and a bronze medal with Morocco at the Olympic Games. However, during CAN 2023, the Atlas Lions were eliminated in the round of 16…

Achraf Hakimi to make a Rodri?

The 26-year-old therefore has arguments to make. Furthermore, his exemplary nature, his class and his performances on the field (2 goals and 1 assist at the Olympics in particular) with a great start to the season at PSG where he has 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 matches in all competitions, could play in its favor. Unanimity could therefore take place around the Moroccan, just like Rodri during the Ballon d'Or which he won in front of Vinicius Junior.

Serhou Guirassy or Ademola Lookman could have scattered votes… See you on December 16 in Morocco to see if the Lion of the Atlas will be crowned at home. But the least we can say is that the right-back seems “programmed” to win.

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