Hakimi Ascends to Elite Status in French Football: Marc-Vivien Foé Award Recognition
In a resounding recognition of his prowess on the pitch, Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan defensive stalwart of Paris Saint-Germain, has been bestowed with the prestigious honor of being named the second-best African player in Ligue 1 for the 2023-2024 season. This accolade was conferred upon him by a distinguished jury assembled by the esteemed media outlets RFI and France 24.
The coveted Marc-Vivien Foé Award, which pays homage to the finest African talents gracing the French football championship, saw Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang claim the top spot. Aubameyang's scintillating performances for Marseille garnered him a resounding 252 points from the nearly 80 esteemed voters who constituted the panel.
Hakimi's stellar campaign for the Parisian giants earned him 136 points, solidifying his position as one of the continent's preeminent players plying their trade in the French top flight. Established in 2009, this prestigious accolade bears the name of the late Cameroonian international Marc-Vivien Foé, who tragically passed away during a Confederations Cup match in Lyon in 2003.
The award's illustrious history has seen several Moroccan luminaries etch their names into its annals, including Marouane Chamakh (Girondins de Bordeaux) in 2009, Younès Belhanda (Montpellier HSC) in 2021, and Sofiane Boufal (LOSC) in 2016. Hakimi's inclusion in this esteemed pantheon further solidifies Morocco's burgeoning reputation as a hotbed of footballing talent.
With nearly 100 former players and journalists specializing in French and African football contributing to the voting process, this recognition serves as a resounding affirmation of Hakimi's status as one of the continent's elite players, showcasing his unparalleled skills on the grandest of stages.