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Mohamed Salah Misses Out as Achraf Hakimi Wins African Player of the Year

Source: BREAKING: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah beaten to African Player of the Year award by PSG star (2025-11-20)

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has narrowly missed securing the African Player of the Year award, which was claimed for the first time by Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi. Despite Salah’s outstanding 2024-2025 season—scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists, leading Liverpool to a Premier League title, and helping Egypt qualify for the upcoming World Cup—Hakimi’s exceptional performances for PSG and Morocco’s national team earned him the accolade. This marks a significant milestone in Hakimi’s career, highlighting his rising influence in African football. In addition to Salah’s impressive stats, recent developments in African football include Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Confederations Cup, the rise of young talents like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, and increased investment in African football infrastructure by FIFA and CAF. The award ceremony, held in Cairo, was attended by football legends and dignitaries, emphasizing the growing global recognition of African football talent. Salah’s omission from the award reflects the fierce competition among top African players, with Hakimi’s versatility and defensive prowess standing out this year. This award season also saw a surge in African players transferring to top European clubs, with several making significant impacts in their leagues. Notably, Hakimi’s move from Inter Milan to PSG in 2023 was a record-breaking transfer, and his performances have only elevated his status. Meanwhile, Salah continues to be a key figure for Liverpool and Egypt, inspiring young players across Africa. The award’s outcome underscores the evolving landscape of African football, where emerging stars are gaining recognition alongside established legends. Looking ahead, both Salah and Hakimi are expected to play pivotal roles in their national teams’ campaigns for the 2026 World Cup, with fans eagerly watching their performances. The African Player of the Year award remains one of the most prestigious honors in African football, celebrating excellence, dedication, and rising talent. As African football continues to grow in prominence, the competition for such awards is expected to intensify, with more young stars emerging on the global stage. In conclusion, while Mohamed Salah’s remarkable achievements this season were not enough to secure the African Player of the Year award, his influence and legacy remain profound. Achraf Hakimi’s victory highlights the depth of talent across the continent and signals a bright future for African football. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how these stars will shape the sport in the coming years, as African football continues its upward trajectory on the world stage.

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