Achraf Hakimi Rejects AFCON 2025 Title, Backs Senegal as True Champions

Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco’s national football team and Paris Saint-Germain defender, has publicly rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy awarded to his country by CAF.

The Atlas Lions skipper insists Morocco did not earn the title on the pitch after losing the final to Senegal’s Teranga Lions.

Hakimi made the declaration following the CAF Appeal Board’s controversial ruling on March 17, 2026.

“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do the same,” Hakimi said.

“We had a chance but failed to win.”

He stressed that Senegal deserved the victory after beating Morocco in the final before the walk-off incident that prompted the review.

Hakimi added that accepting the trophy would spoil Senegal’s joy after their hard work.

“That’s football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved it,” he stated.

“It will be unfair to ruin their joy.”

The Paris Saint-Germain star acknowledged respect for CAF’s position but drew the line at claiming a title not won on merit.

“I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again,” Hakimi declared.

NaijaChoice News reports that the drama began after Senegal initially won the final 1-0 in extra time.

A protest walk-off by the Teranga Lions led CAF to apply Article 84 of the tournament regulations, declaring a 3-0 forfeit win for host nation Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation has vowed to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Hakimi’s stance stands out as a rare display of sportsmanship in African football.

It has sparked widespread debate on the continent about integrity over technical rulings.

In Nigeria, where fans remain passionate about AFCON matters and have long pushed for fair governance under CAF, many have praised the Moroccan captain’s honesty.

This development keeps the 2025 title saga alive as Senegal prepares its next legal step.