Ikpeba Explains Why Hakimi Beat Osimhen To 2025 CAF Player Of The Year

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Ikpeba, a former African Footballer of the Year himself, said Hakimi’s achievements with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the 2024/2025 season placed him ahead of every other contender.

Hakimi played a decisive role in PSG’s Champions League triumph and also helped the club secure the Ligue 1 title and all major domestic trophies on offer. The only competition the French champions missed out on was the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Moroccan full-back finished ahead of Osimhen and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to clinch African football’s most prestigious individual honour.

Osimhen, however, delivered an extraordinary season of his own. The Nigerian striker scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances for Galatasaray, inspiring the Turkish giants to a domestic double.

Ikpeba acknowledged Osimhen’s remarkable performances but noted that Hakimi’s influence in a treble-winning team ultimately proved decisive.

“We are disappointed we are not going to the World Cup, but Victor has been outstanding with his passion and determination when he plays for the national team with no limits,” Ikpeba said.

“For the three players, I think Hakimi has been brilliant — won the Ligue 1, the Champions League, and he won everything with PSG.
But I think for the beauty of the football, he is a deserving winner.”

Ikpeba’s remarks add an experienced perspective to the ongoing discussion as football fans continue to debate the merits of the award outcome.