Photo source: FRMF.ma
Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi received the prestigious FIFA “The Best” Starting 11 trophy during a special ceremony held on Saturday, December 20, just hours before the opening of AFCON Morocco 2025. The award was presented by Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and former Moroccan international Houssine Kharja.
This distinction places Hakimi among the world’s top footballers and underlines his consistent excellence at both club and international levels. The timing of the ceremony, on the eve of Morocco’s continental campaign, added a strong symbolic dimension to the honor.
A Ceremony at the Heart of the National Team’s Base
The event took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the headquarters and base camp of the Moroccan national team. As preparations intensified for the opening match of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the ceremony highlighted Morocco’s growing stature within global football.
Officials and players in attendance emphasized the importance of celebrating individual excellence while reinforcing collective ambition. Awarding Hakimi in this setting reflected the federation’s desire to link global recognition with national objectives during a major tournament hosted on home soil.
A Symbol of Ambition for AFCON Morocco 2025
Hakimi’s inclusion in FIFA’s “The Best” Starting 11 serves as a powerful signal ahead of AFCON. Widely regarded as one of the most complete full-backs in world football, he is expected to play a central role in Morocco’s ambitions during the tournament.
Beyond personal achievement, the award symbolizes the progress of Moroccan football on the international stage. As AFCON Morocco 2025 gets underway, the honor reinforces confidence within the Atlas Lions squad and sets a tone of high expectations for a competition that carries both sporting and national significance.
Source: FRMF.ma
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