Hakimi 'hopes to win' African FOTY
Achraf Hakimi of PSG celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and PSV Eindhoven, in Paris, France, 22 October 2024. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON
by Staff Reporter
Monday Dec 16, 2024. 13:00
Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi is hoping the rumours are true that he has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
Widespread reports in France, Morocco and Egypt claim that a sensational leak revealed the Atlas Lions star has beaten the nine other nominees to the prestigious award.
Atalanta and Nigeria striker Ademola Lookman had been tipped to succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen as Africa’s best player ahead of Hakimi, Amine Gouiri, Edmond Tapsoba, Simon Adingra, Chancel Mbemba, Serhou Guirassy, Soufiane Rahimi, William Troost-Ekong and Ronwen Williams.
But the three-time Ligue 1 title winner appears to have won the majority of the votes and will reportedly receive the honour at the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech on Monday night.
Hakimi enjoyed a fine 2024, helping PSG to a third consecutive league title in May before making history with Morocco at the 2024 Paris Olympics three months later as they claimed the bronze medal after they reached the semi-finals for the first time.
“This nomination rewards all the work I have done since I was little. I hope to win this important trophy in my career,” he told Telefoot regarding the speculation.