Hakimi Snubs AFCON Crown, Declares Senegal “True Champions”

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has dramatically rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his country, insisting that Senegal national football team remain the rightful winners despite a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

CAF’s Appeal Board recently overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory in the final, ruling that the West African side forfeited the match after briefly walking off the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision. The verdict handed Morocco a 3–0 win on default and the title.

But Hakimi has distanced himself from the decision, maintaining that Morocco did not earn the trophy on the pitch.

“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it,” Hakimi said.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender stressed that football’s integrity must be preserved, acknowledging Senegal’s performance in the chaotic final.

“That’s football, sometimes you win and lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved it. It will be unfair to ruin their joy after the hardwork.”

He added further clarity on his stance, saying: “I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again.”

The controversy stems from a dramatic final in Rabat, where Senegal initially secured victory after extra time before CAF intervened weeks later, citing breaches of tournament regulations related to the walk-off.

Hakimi’s remarks place him at odds with the official ruling and echo growing criticism across African football, where many players, officials, and fans argue that the title should not be decided off the pitch.

With Senegal already preparing an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the AFCON 2025 saga continues to cast a long shadow—now deepened by one of Morocco’s biggest stars publicly rejecting the crown.