Just crowned African Ballon d’Or 2025, Achraf Hakimi has received a flurry of tributes, including one from Kylian Mbappé, his long-time friend and former teammate at Paris Saint-Germain. The Moroccan defender, now at the pinnacle of African football, was honored for an exceptional season with PSG.
On Instagram, Mbappé, now a player for Real Madrid, did not miss the opportunity to praise the Moroccan right-back’s journey. Very close to Hakimi, the French striker shared a warm message:
“Love u bro. The king of Africa. Well done my brother! A reward more than deserved.”
This public support reflects the strong bond between the two players, forged during their time together in Paris. Hakimi, who had an outstanding season, sees his hard work recognized by the most prestigious individual award on the African continent, confirming his status as a global reference in his position.

