Achraf Hakimi celebrates after scoring for Morocco — © FRMF / Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Doha will once again host the FIFA The Best Awards in 2025, with Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi emerging as one of the leading contenders for the world’s top individual honor. FIFA confirmed the ceremony will take place on December 16.
Doha confirmed as host city for FIFA The Best 2025
FIFA has officially selected the Qatari capital Doha to host the 2025 edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards, marking the second consecutive year the event is held in the city.
The ceremony is scheduled for December 16 and will begin at 9:00 PM Abu Dhabi time, bringing together the biggest names in global football to celebrate the year’s top performances.
Achraf Hakimi among leading candidates
FIFA also revealed the shortlist for the Best Men’s Player award, featuring several global stars. Among them is Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, whose name stands out following two exceptional seasons at both club and international level.
Hakimi enjoyed a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the 2024–2025 UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the French Super Cup, while also reaching the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
A landmark year for the Atlas Lions star
On the international stage, Hakimi played a key leadership role with Morocco’s Olympic team, guiding the squad to a historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as one of the over-age players. His decisive goals and influence made him the first Moroccan footballer to achieve this milestone.
He was also crowned African Footballer of the Year 2024–2025, reinforcing his status as Africa’s leading representative in the global race. His consistent presence in FIFA’s World XI highlights his unique profile as a modern full-back combining defensive solidity with attacking impact.
Strong global competition
The FIFA shortlist includes some of the biggest names in world football, such as Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Raphinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Cole Palmer.
Meanwhile, Egyptian striker Amr Nasser has been nominated for the Puskás Award for the best goal, underlining the high level of competition across all categories.
Related on MoroccoBeat:
- Hakimi wins his fifth African Golden Ball,
- Achraf Hakimi returns to Morocco ahead of AFCON 2025,
- Hakimi resumes training with PSG before AFCON 2025
