‘Hopes to win’ African FOTY, Hakimi says

Paris Saint-Germain’s right back Achraf Hakimi is counting down the days before he’s officially announced as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.

According to widely circulated claims in France, Morocco, and Egypt, the Atlas Lions star advanced to the prestigious honor ahead of the nine other finalists thanks to a shocking leak.

Striker Ademola Lookman of Atalanta and Nigeria was predicted to overtake fellow countryman Victor Osimhen as the finest player in Africa, surpassing Hakimi, Amine Gouiri, Edmond Tapsoba, Simon Adingra, Chancel Mbemba, Serhou Guirassy, Soufiane Rahimi, William Troost-Ekong, and Ronwen Williams.

However, the three-time Ligue 1 champion seems to have prevailed in the majority of the votes and is expected to be presented with the honor on Monday night at the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech.

After helping PSG win the league for the third time in a row in May, Hakimi had a great 2024. Three months later, Morocco made history at the 2024 Olympics in Paris by winning the bronze medal after making it to the semi-finals for the first time.

“All of the work I have done since I was a young child is recognized by this nomination. In response to the rumors, he told Telefoot, “I hope to win this important trophy in my career.”