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Hakimi heads into the World Cup after a historic season with Paris Saint-Germain
Achraf Hakimi will not go to the 2026 World Cup as just a talented player, as he was at the 2022 World Cup, but he has become a true symbol for a whole generation of Moroccan players who want to achieve more than the semi-finals in the expanded version of the tournament.
After he managed to win two Champions League titles in a row with Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi now carries a huge responsibility with the Atlas Lions, as he is not only the captain of the team, but also its first star.
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Birth of a legend
Hakimi was born in 1998. on November 4 in Madrid, of Moroccan parents and grew up in humble economic circumstances before reaching the pinnacle of world football.
His journey began at Real Madrid’s academy at the age of eight after playing for local club Köln Ovev. He quickly converted from winger to right-back and made 28 appearances for the Royals reserve team, scoring one goal.
Hakimi broke into the first team in 2017 but didn’t get many chances, so he was loaned to Borussia Dortmund in 2018. He excelled there as he played 54 matches in the German league and scored 7 goals. He also broke the record of the fastest player in the Bundesliga with a speed of 36.48 km/h.
In the summer of 2020, the Moroccan star moved to Inter Milan for 42 million euros. He participated in 37 matches in the Italian league and scored 7 goals in the only season he spent in the Nerazzurri team. He also helped Inter win the Serie A title after an 11-year absence.
Then came the big move to PSG in 2021 for €68 million. With the Parisian team, Hakimi became an irreplaceable starter, and in 128 matches played in the French league, he scored 19 goals.
In the specific 2025/2026 season, he participated in 18 matches in the French championship, becoming the author of two goals and two goal assists, and he played 13 matches in the Champions League, becoming the author of one goal and 6 goal assists.
A world class lion
At international level, Hakimi initially chose to represent Morocco despite being born in Spain. He made his international debut in October 2016 and went on to make 95 appearances for the Atlas Lions, scoring 11 goals.
Hakimi was an essential part of the 2018 World Cup squad, but he stood out in particular at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when he contributed to the Lions’ historic semi-final run, becoming the first African team to achieve the feat.
Hakimi participated in 4 Africa Cup of Nations and also captained the Olympic team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and won a bronze medal.
A model for the modern full back
The Moroccan star features a unique attacking style of play that combines excellent speed, physical strength, the ability to penetrate and make accurate long passes, in addition to shooting from outside the box.
Hakimi has become a model for the modern full-back, who contributes heavily in attack, ranks among the best players in his position in the world and is noted for his concentration and intelligent defensive interventions.
The Moroccan footballer’s contract with Saint-Germain is extended until 2029, and the market value is around 80 million euros.
On an individual level, Hakimi is eyeing the Ballon d’Or and African Player of the Year awards. In 2025, he finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or ranking, the best position ever achieved by a Moroccan player. He also won the Best African Player award, becoming the first defender to win this prestigious award in over 50 years.
