The crowning of Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi with the 2025 African Ballon d'Or sparked widespread controversy among followers. Some considered him the first defender in the continent's history to win this title, while others referred to a historical account indicating a precedent dating back to the 1970s.

Returning to the archive of African awards, it becomes clear that Hakimi is not the first defender to win the title of Africa's best player. He was preceded by the former Zaire star (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Bwanga Tshimen, who received the award in 1973 when it was given by France Football magazine.

Buanga Tshiman… The Defender Ahead of His Time

Buanga Tshiman is considered one of the most prominent players of the golden generation of the Zaire national team. He stood out notably during the 1973 season with TP Mazembe, delivering a comprehensive defensive performance that earned him continental recognition during a period when Zaire was emerging strongly both in Africa and globally. Thus, he became the first African defender to be awarded the title of the continent's best player.

Hakimi… the first defender to win in the modern edition of the award

After 52 years since Bouanga's achievement, another defender has come forward to inscribe his name prominently in the record books of African football. Achraf Hakimi managed to win the African Ballon d'Or for 2025 following an exceptional season in which he combined defensive solidity, offensive effectiveness, and significant contributions to the successes achieved by both the Moroccan national team and his club.

Achraf Hakimi is considered the first defender to win the award in its modern format overseen by the African Football Confederation, which grants him a special status in the contemporary continental scene.

Africa's Defense… From the Shadows to the Spotlight

A comparison between Bouanga's crowning in 1973 and Hakimi's in 2025 highlights that defenders in the African continent rarely receive sufficient recognition in individual awards, due to the dominance of forwards and playmakers in the honor rolls. However, both players have proven that the defensive position can deliver a decisive impact worthy of appreciation.

There is half a century between the two achievements, but they are connected by a single thread: excellence, merit, and turning the back line into a platform for stardom.

Achraf Hakimi's crowning achievement marks a new chapter in the history of African football, embodying the journey of a player who combines defense, attack, and game-changing impact, offering the continent a fresh model of excellence in the race for individual awards.