Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has reacted in understated fashion after being declared an Africa Cup of Nations winner following a dramatic administrative decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The 27-year-old, who was in action for Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, took to social media with a brief but telling message: “Energy speaks, I don’t.”
The post came hours after CAF overturned Senegal’s victory in the 2025 final and awarded the title to Morocco.
Hakimi’s reaction has drawn attention for its simplicity, offering a contrast to the widespread debate and controversy that has followed the decision.
Earlier that evening, the Moroccan defender had helped PSG secure qualification to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after their match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
It was during the aftermath of that fixture that news of Morocco’s AFCON triumph reached the player.
Hakimi was approached after the match and asked about the unexpected development.
However, rather than offering a detailed comment, he chose to remain silent, responding only with a broad smile as he left the stadium with his teammates.
The moment capped what has been described as a remarkable and surreal night for the defender.
CAF’s ruling has sparked significant reaction across the football world after Senegal, who had initially won the final 1–0 after extra time, were stripped of the title.
The decision followed an appeal which centred on a controversial moment late in regulation time, when Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco.
Although the match was eventually completed, with the penalty saved before Senegal went on to score the winner, CAF determined that the walk-off constituted a breach of tournament regulations.
Under those rules, a team that leaves the pitch without authorisation can forfeit the match, resulting in a 3–0 defeat.
The Appeals Board subsequently ruled in Morocco’s favour, awarding them the title despite the original outcome on the pitch.
The situation has been described as one of the most controversial conclusions to a major international tournament, with questions continuing to be raised about governance, and the application of regulations in high-profile matches.
