PSG Star Hakimi Remains Key Figure in African Football Despite Award Snub

The awarding of the title of African Player of the Year has elicited mixed reactions. After the surprise of Real Madrid in the face of Rodri’s victory, it is Morocco’s turn to express its disappointment, recalls the newspaper Le Parisien. Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian from Atalanta Bergame, was elected African Player of the Year, much to the chagrin of Moroccan supporters who were hoping to see Hakimi triumph.

Despite this setback, the Parisian full-back quickly found his way back to the pitches and delivered an XXL performance against Monaco. His decisive actions and dynamism have confirmed his status as an essential player for PSG. Since the start of the season, Hakimi has shown himself to be "indestructible, indisputable, sharp, efficient," establishing himself as one of the best players in the league.

"Involved in 20% of the goals scored by his team, the one who has just extended his adventure until 2029 has, in four months, already equaled his highest number of assists in a full season at Paris (7). He is, with three goals scored, only two lengths behind his "seasonal" record in the capital and seems to be statistically progressing at the pace of his benchmark seasons, in Dortmund (9 goals, 10 assists in 2019-2020) and at Inter Milan (7 goals, 11 assists in 2020-2021)."

Although the title of African Player of the Year eluded him, Hakimi can console himself by noting the immense popularity he enjoys in Morocco. A true national icon, he embodies the success and ambition of a generation. "It’s simple, Hakimi is the idol of everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, even smiles Abdelaziz Bennij, former Moroccan international and now consultant for BeIN Sports." "Rarely has a defender reached this level of popularity. Normally, it’s the forwards, the number 10s, the creators who attract the public’s sympathy. But him, beyond the jack-of-all-trades costume he wears on the pitch, also has this personality that se