In a bright spotlight on Moroccan football, Achraf Hakimi has been honored with the prestigious Golden Lion award, solidifying his status as one of Africa's top players. The award, presented by the Al-Muntakhab newspaper, named him the best African football player for the year 2024 during a ceremony held on March 21, 2025.
Upon receiving the award, an elated Hakimi expressed his heartfelt thanks. “I thank Al-Muntakhab newspaper for choosing me for this beautiful award, and through it, I thank all who voted for me from experts and readers. I am very happy to receive this ‘Golden Lion’ that will enhance my treasure and motivate me to give more,” he said with a smile. This accolade marks a high point in the football star's career and serves as motivation for continued excellence.
This award follows a polling process which involved 41 media organizations, showcasing Hakimi’s exceptional talents and contributions to the world of football. Hakimi's victory over Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman and fellow Moroccan player Sofyan Rahimi is a testament to his skills and influence in the game.
Meanwhile, in a significant development in the Egyptian football scene, Al-Ahly club has recently received a formal request from Real Zaragoza looking to secure the services of young talent Abdallah Gaafar. The interest from the Spanish club demonstrates Gaafar's growing reputation, particularly after he showcased impressive abilities while playing for Al-Ahly’s under-2008 team.
Real Zaragoza has been tracking Gaafar’s progress, with scouts reportedly impressed by his strong technical skills and versatility on the pitch. Although much attention is on Hakimi in the current news cycle, Gaafar's potential transfer points to the expanding scope for promising players emerging from Egyptian football.
Gaafar, who previously played for Al-Ain and Al-Wahda in the Emirates before his tenure at Al-Ahly, has already made a mark, having participated in first-team training sessions under the guidance of coach Marcel Kohler. Despite his training with the first team, he has yet to make his official match debut, making the interest from Real Zaragoza particularly noteworthy.
As both Hakimi and Gaafar step into different yet exciting phases of their careers, their stories highlight the talent and ambition emerging from Moroccan and Egyptian football. This focus on rising stars reveals the potential for upcoming players in the African football realm to attract international attention, fostering opportunities for growth and development in the sport.
Whether it’s Hakimi striving for even greater accolades or Gaafar on the verge of his own career breakthrough, these narratives underscore the vitality of African football, both locally and on the global stage. It’s a time of celebration, determination, and perhaps a heralding of future successes.
