Mustapha Hadji backs Achraf Hakimi for Africa’s top football award in 2026
Moroccan football great Mustapha Hadji believes Achraf Hakimi has a strong case to be named Africa’s best player in 2026, pointing to the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s remarkable collection of trophies. Hadji, who won the African Player of the Year award in 1998, said the race remains difficult to call—but that Hakimi’s success at club level gives him a clear advantage.
The former Morocco international also offered his verdict on the greatest African player in history. For Hadji, that distinction belongs to George Weah, the Liberian icon who made history as the first African footballer to win the Ballon d’Or.
Hakimi’s trophy-filled season strengthens his award prediction
Asked by Kooora which player deserves Africa’s top individual honour this year, Hadji cautioned that the picture is complicated by uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final. The tournament’s final outcome remains subject to a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), meaning the continental title—and its impact on individual award discussions—has not been fully settled.
Even with that uncertainty, Hadji said Hakimi stands out when the wider football season is considered. “Looking at other tournaments, one can say that Achraf Hakimi has the edge because he won the UEFA Champions League and almost all the tournaments he took part in,” he said.
Hakimi’s season has been defined by both consistency and silverware. The right-back helped PSG win the French league title and domestic Super Cup before adding the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup to the club’s honours. He also reached the Africa Cup of Nations final with Morocco, giving him a major international achievement alongside his European success.
That combination matters in a year-end award conversation. Individual prizes often reflect more than statistics: voters may weigh a player’s influence in decisive matches, contribution to team success, consistency across competitions and performance for their national side. Hakimi’s ability to feature prominently for both PSG and Morocco gives his candidacy a broad foundation.
Why Hakimi’s role matters beyond the trophy list
Hakimi is known for the pace and attacking threat he brings from the right flank, but his value is not limited to forward runs. Modern full-backs are expected to cover large areas, support the build-up, create chances and recover quickly when possession changes. Hakimi’s physical range allows him to contribute across those phases, making him an important part of PSG’s structure as well as a source of attacking momentum.
His place in the 2026 Ballon d’Or standings also adds context to Hadji’s prediction. Hakimi finished 13th in the global race, a notable result for a defender competing against forwards and midfielders who often attract more attention through goals and assists. While that ranking does not decide Africa’s award, it signals that his performances were recognised beyond the continent.
Still, the prediction is not a guarantee. African football awards can be shaped by international tournament results, the timing of the voting period and the performances of other leading players. The unresolved AFCON situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Hadji’s comments therefore present Hakimi as a leading contender rather than a certain winner.
George Weah remains Hadji’s choice as Africa’s greatest
When asked to identify the greatest African player of all time, Hadji chose Weah without hesitation. He acknowledged that the question is difficult, given the achievements of stars such as Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba, but said Weah’s place in football history is unmatched.
“Weah is the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player, and I played against him, and I consider him the king of the African continent,” Hadji said.
Weah’s 1995 Ballon d’Or victory was a landmark moment for African football. At a time when players from the continent received less global recognition, his achievement demonstrated that an African star could reach the very top of the sport. His career included standout spells in European football, where his power, skill and goal-scoring ability made him one of the most feared forwards of his generation.
Hadji’s personal experience gives his assessment added weight. He won Africa’s top player award in 1998 after an outstanding year that included performances at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Having played against Weah and competed at the highest level himself, Hadji is drawing on more than reputation when he describes the Liberian as the continent’s “king.”
A changing era for African football
The discussion reflects how African football has evolved. Today’s leading players regularly compete for major European clubs, appear in the Champions League and attract worldwide attention. Hakimi represents that modern generation: a defender who is central to a European powerhouse while also carrying significant expectations with Morocco.
At the same time, comparisons across eras are rarely straightforward. Weah’s historic Ballon d’Or, Eto’o’s Champions League triumphs, Drogba’s influence in major finals and Salah’s sustained success in England all offer different measures of greatness. Hadji’s choice highlights the importance of pioneering achievements, while the debate itself shows the depth of African football’s history.
For now, Hadji’s 2026 football prediction is clear: Hakimi has the strongest case among the players he considered, thanks to his major club honours and contribution to Morocco’s run to the AFCON final. The final award picture may depend on how the tournament dispute is resolved and how voters assess the season as a whole. But with European and international success behind him, Hakimi has placed himself firmly among the leading candidates.
