Mustapha Hadji believes Achraf Hakimi should win the 2026 award for Africa’s best player, while selecting George Weah ahead of Mohamed Salah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba as the greatest player in the continent’s history.
The Morocco legend won the African Player of the Year award in 1998 after impressing at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup during the same year.
Hadji said Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi had the strongest claim for this year’s prize after helping his club win a series of domestic and continental trophies.
Asked which player deserved the award, Hadji said: “This is a very difficult question, especially given the crisis that happened in the Africa Cup of Nations final, so the title has not been decided yet.”
He added: “But looking at other competitions, it can be said that Achraf Hakimi has an advantage because he won the Champions League and almost every competition he took part in.”
Hakimi enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, leading the French club to the French league title, the domestic Super Cup, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.
He also helped Morocco reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. The identity of the champions is still awaiting a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Hakimi finished 13th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings for the world’s best player.
Weah chosen ahead of Salah
When asked to name the finest African player of all time, Hadji opted for Liberia great Weah.
“That is also a difficult question, but I choose George Weah,” he said.
Hadji was then asked why Weah ranked above players including Salah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba.
“Weah was the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or as the best player in the world,” he replied. “I played against him, and I believe he is the king of African football.”
Weah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995, becoming the first and only African player to receive the France Football award.
