. Hakimi didn’t want the controversial Nations Cup gold, so you can’t give it to him
By Toby TAIWO
Controversy has been stirred once again as Moroccan international football player Achraf Hakimi is declared the most decorated player in African football history, following Paris Saint-Germain’s win of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League.
The title gave Hakimi the 19th major trophy of his career, moving him ahead of former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o and former Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Yaya Touré, who each finished their careers with 18 major honors.
However, pundits have said the last Nations Cup cannot be counted for Hakimi as he kicked against the controversial stripping of Senegal after the drama in Morocco.
“That is one piece of silverware you cannot give to Hakimi. So, it’s still early to declare him the most decorated player in Africa,” says an expert in African football.
Hakimi secured trophies across several European leagues and competitions during spells with top clubs before helping PSG capture European football’s biggest prize this season.
Hakimi has enjoyed one of the most successful years of his career. In addition to helping PSG win the UEFA Champions League and domestic titles, he captained Morocco to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations crown.
The defender also won the 2025 African Footballer of the Year award, becoming the first defender in more than five decades to receive the honor.
Since making his professional debut with Real Madrid, Hakimi has built an impressive trophy collection. He has won league titles in Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, as well as multiple domestic cups and three UEFA Champions League titles, one with Real Madrid and two with Paris Saint-Germain. He also helped Morocco reach the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the best finish by an African team in tournament history.
Eto’o established himself among Africa’s most successful players through his achievements with Barcelona and Inter Milan, while Touré built an impressive trophy collection with Barcelona, Manchester City, and Côte d’Ivoire.
