Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The Morocco captain insisted the Atlas Lions did not deserve the trophy following their defeat to Senegal in the final. However, the Moroccan defender said neither he nor his teammates should accept the title, regardless of the ruling.
“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do the same. We had a chance but failed to win,” Hakimi said, while acknowledging Senegal as deserving champions. 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 hard work,” he added.
Hakimi reiterated his respect for CAF’s decision but maintained his personal stance. “I respect the decision, but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win the 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again.”
CAF had earlier annulled Senegal’s 1–0 victory, citing breaches of Articles 82 and 84 after the Teranga Lions walked off in protest over a stoppage-time penalty decision. The match was subsequently ruled a 3–0 forfeit in favor of Morocco.
