Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi and Liverpool FC Mohamed Salah fell in the race to win the 2023 African Ballon d’Or. The award went to Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who won the title of best African player of the year.
Oshimen’s individual follows up having won the 2022-23 Serie A title with Napoli beating out the heavyweights in the league, such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan.
The Nigerian played a crucial role in the accomplishment, scoring 26 goals and registering five assists in Serie A last season. As a result, it likely played a role in beating out the Liverpool and PSG stars.
The Nigerian Prince becomes King! 🤴
🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen is the 2023 Men's Player of the Year! 🤩
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑! 🔝 #CAFAwards2023 | @victorosimhen9 pic.twitter.com/WFVUBaqWkx
— CAF (@CAF_Online) December 11, 2023
Nonetheless, Salah and Hakimi were named in the Men’s CAF 2023 Best XI of the Year, which might serve as a consolation prize for rewarding both players’ years.
Achraf Hakimi has been named in the Men’s CAF 2023 Best XI of the Year! 🇲🇦👏🏽#CAFAwards2023. pic.twitter.com/aeiSSi2awB
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) December 11, 2023
With the African Cup of Nations on the horizon in a few weeks, the winner of the competition will indeed have the edge in winning the 2024 African Ballon d’Or.
