Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan defender for Paris Saint-Germain, has achieved a historic milestone by being named to the FIFPRO Team of the Year for the third time. He is the first African player to receive this honor. The FIFPRO Team of the Year is selected by a vote of 19,806 footballers from 73 countries. Hakimi's inclusion in the team is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Hakimi's impressive career has been marked by numerous accolades, including his previous selections to the FIFPRO Team of the Year in 2022 and 2025. He is joined in the team by other talented players, including French forward Kylian Mbappé, who finished second in the 2026 Ballon d'Or voting. The FIFPRO Team of the Year features a mix of experienced players and rising stars, showcasing the best of the football world.
The FIFPRO Team of the Year for 2026 includes David Raya as goalkeeper, Pau Cubarsi, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi as defenders, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Vitinha as midfielders, and Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, and Lionel Messi as forwards. This team represents the highest level of achievement in football, and Hakimi's inclusion is a significant honor.
Notably, Harry Kane, the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner, was not selected for the FIFPRO Team of the Year. Instead, the voters chose Lionel Messi, who has had a remarkable career and recently joined Inter Miami in the United States. The selection process for the FIFPRO Team of the Year is unique, as it is based on the votes of footballers themselves, providing a distinctive perspective on the best players in the world.
Achraf Hakimi's achievement is particularly significant in the context of African football. He joins the ranks of legendary players like Samuel Eto'o, who was named to the FIFPRO Team of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and Didier Drogba, who was selected in 2007. Hakimi's success is an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the continent.
The FIFPRO Team of the Year is an important recognition of excellence in football, and Achraf Hakimi's three-time selection is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His achievement will likely have a positive impact on the sport in Morocco and across Africa, encouraging young players to strive for greatness.
As the football world continues to evolve, Achraf Hakimi's historic achievement serves as a reminder of the talent and skill that exists in African football. His selection to the FIFPRO Team of the Year for the third time is a significant milestone, and he will undoubtedly continue to be a role model for aspiring footballers in the years to come.
Key points
- Achraf Hakimi is the first African player to be named to the FIFPRO Team of the Year three times.
