FIFA President Hands ‘The Best’ World XI Award to Hakimi in Morocco
FIFA President, Giani Infantino, has presented injured Moroccan and PSG star, Achraf Hakimi, with his FIFA The Best World XI award at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Football Complex, where the national team camped ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nation (AFCON).
The small informal ceremony, held in the presence of Morocco’s national team players, represented Achraf Hakimi’s stellar year reaching a fitting climax.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender had missed FIFA’s The Best Awards event held earlier where he had been named in FIFA’s Best Men’s XI for the 2024/25 season in Doha.
Hakimi’s selection crowned a dominant year in which he remained a key figure for PSG, combining defensive solidity with his trademark attacking thrust down the right flank.
His leadership role with the Atlas Lions also continued to grow, reinforcing his standing as one of Africa’s foremost football exports.
The FIFA Best XI for 2025 reflects PSG’s strong presence, with Gianluigi Donnarumma named in goal, while Hakimi, William Pacho, Virgil van Dijk and Nuno Mendes form a formidable back line.
The midfield features a blend of creativity and control in Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Vitinha and Pedri, while the attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele completes the lineup.
Infantino’s decision to hand the award to Hakimi in Morocco added extra significance, celebrating not only individual excellence but also the country’s growing influence on the global football stage.
The honour represents more than personal success for Hakimi it is a testament to Morocco’s rise in world football and a moment of pride shared with teammates, fans and the wider African continent.
