Morocco Captain Hakimi Rejects African Cup of Nations Trophy

March 21, 2026 – In a stunning display of sportsmanship and principle, Morocco national team captain Achraf Hakimi has announced he will decline the trophy awarded following the controversial conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The decision comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the original result of the final, awarding the title to Morocco after Senegal was penalized.

The saga began after Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, held in Morocco. A late penalty awarded to Senegal sparked protests from the Moroccan side, who argued that the Senegalese players briefly left the field in protest, disrupting the game. Morocco appealed to CAF, and on Tuesday, the governing body ruled in their favor, awarding Morocco the victory with a score of 3-0. However, the decision has been met with widespread criticism and an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Hakimi, a star for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, made his position clear, stating, “My mother advised me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I officially refuse the trophy and hope my teammates will do the same. We had a chance to win, but we missed it.”

He continued, “That’s football: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved to win. It would be unfair to spoil their joy after all the hard work they put in.” Hakimi emphasized his respect for CAF’s decision but reiterated his personal refusal to accept the trophy, stating, “I did not win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Once again, congratulations to Senegal.”

The situation is particularly poignant given the circumstances surrounding the final. The Senegalese team’s brief walk-off in protest of the penalty decision, prompted by their coach, was followed by appeals to remain on the pitch from captain Sadio Mané. The subsequent penalty was missed by Brahim Diaz. The CAF ruling, even as technically awarding the title to Morocco, has left a bitter taste for many observers.

Hakimi’s decision reflects a strong moral stance, prioritizing fair play and respect for his opponents. It’s a rare gesture in modern football, where the pursuit of victory often overshadows principles of sportsmanship. The move is likely to put pressure on his teammates to follow suit, potentially leading to a unified rejection of the trophy by the Moroccan squad.

The Senegalese Football Federation has already expressed its strong disagreement with the CAF’s decision and has vowed to challenge it at the CAS, signaling a prolonged legal battle over the outcome of the tournament. The FSF believes the technical defeat is unjust and seeks to restore Senegal’s rightful title.

This incident raises broader questions about the integrity of officiating and the role of governing bodies in resolving disputes. The controversy surrounding the penalty decision and the subsequent CAF ruling have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of African football. The situation underscores the importance of transparent and consistent application of rules, as well as the require for fair and impartial decision-making.

The Africa Cup of Nations is a prestigious tournament that showcases the talent and passion for football across the continent. The 2025 edition, hosted in Morocco, was intended to be a celebration of the sport, but it has instead become a source of controversy and division. Hakimi’s principled stand serves as a reminder that the spirit of the game should always be valued above all else.

The coming days will be crucial as the Senegalese Football Federation pursues its appeal with the CAS. The outcome of that process will ultimately determine the official result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and whether Senegal will be able to reclaim the title they believe they rightfully earned. For now, Achraf Hakimi’s decision stands as a powerful statement about integrity and respect in the world of football.

The Moroccan team is now preparing for their upcoming international friendly against Brazil on June 15th at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Recent Jersey. This match will provide an opportunity for the team to move forward and focus on future challenges, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations.

What are your thoughts on Hakimi’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.