AFCON 2025: CAF Player of the Year targets return from injury to lead Morocco on home soil

Achraf Hakimi has offered Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain fans a major boost after revealing positive progress in his recovery from the heavy challenge he suffered against Bayern Munich.

With AFCON 2025 taking place on Moroccan soil, the reigning CAF Player of the Year says his full focus is on being ready to lead the Atlas Lions in front of their home crowd.

Speaking to Canal+, Hakimi reassured supporters that his condition has improved significantly since suffering inflammation following the tackle by Luis Díaz.

“It’s much better, the inflammation has gone down, it’s much better now, it doesn’t hurt,” the defender said, confirming he is already back working towards match fitness.

The PSG star made it clear that his target is not just a quick return, but a fully prepared one, with AFCON now only weeks away.

“I’m positive, I’m focused, I keep working hard with the goal of arriving in good shape for the AFCON,” he added, signalling his determination to captain Morocco at a historic edition of the tournament.

Hakimi’s potential presence at AFCON 2025 is crucial. Morocco, hosting the competition for the first time since 1988, will rely heavily on his leadership, dynamism and experience as they attempt to win the trophy on home soil.

Hakimi’s commitment to returning for AFCON comes in the same period he achieved one of the biggest honours of his career, being named the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.

In Rabat, the 27-year-old beat Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to become the first defender in 52 years and the first Moroccan since 1998 to win the prestigious award.

His triumph came after a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he played a key role in a historic quadruple: the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and the Coupe de France, along with the UEFA Super Cup.

He scored a goal in the Champions League final, delivered five assists in the competition, and maintained world-class consistency throughout the year.

While Salah dazzled for Liverpool and Egypt and Osimhen broke scoring records in Turkey and for Nigeria, voters ultimately rewarded Hakimi’s decisive moments.