Achraf Hakimi: From Madrid to Parisian Heights

Achraf Hakimi is more than just a right-back; he’s a modern footballing marvel. Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi’s journey is a testament to talent, hard work, and strategic career choices.

Emerging from Real Madrid’s youth academy, ‘La Fábrica’, Hakimi faced stiff competition for playing time. Recognizing this, a two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund proved pivotal. Under Lucien Favre, he blossomed into a dynamic wing-back, showcasing his blistering pace, attacking prowess, and improved defensive capabilities. He contributed significantly to Dortmund’s attacking play, not just with assists but also with a surprising number of goals, often arriving late in the box to devastating effect.

His performances in the Bundesliga attracted the attention of Inter Milan. Antonio Conte, renowned for his tactical acumen and expertise in utilizing wing-backs, brought Hakimi to the Serie A. In Milan, Hakimi further refined his game. Conte demanded tactical discipline and defensive responsibility, complementing Hakimi’s natural attacking flair. The result was a complete player, instrumental in Inter’s Serie A triumph in the 2020-21 season. His overlapping runs, pinpoint crosses, and crucial goals were vital to breaking Juventus’s decade-long dominance.

Following Inter’s financial difficulties, Hakimi made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain. In Paris, he joined a star-studded squad, including Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. Despite the individual brilliance surrounding him, Hakimi quickly established himself as a key player for PSG. His attacking runs and defensive solidity provided balance to the team, and he quickly formed a strong understanding with his attacking teammates, contributing to numerous goals and assists. While the Champions League trophy remains elusive for PSG, Hakimi’s contributions have been consistently impressive.

At the international level, Hakimi represents Morocco, the country of his heritage. He is a cornerstone of the Atlas Lions, playing a crucial role in their qualification for major tournaments. His commitment and passion for his national team are evident in every game. He was instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring the decisive penalty in the round of 16 shootout against Spain, a moment etched in Moroccan football history. He is seen as an icon and role model for young Moroccans worldwide.

Achraf Hakimi’s career is a story of continuous improvement and adaptability. From a promising youth player to a world-class right-back, he has consistently risen to every challenge. His speed, attacking talent, defensive awareness, and tactical intelligence make him one of the most complete and sought-after players in his position. He continues to evolve and remains a vital asset for both PSG and the Moroccan national team.