Achraf Hakimi has established himself as one of the finest right-backs in modern football. Known for his incredible pace, attacking flair, and defensive reliability, the Moroccan star has enjoyed success at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. From Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain and captaining the Morocco national team, Hakimi has collected numerous domestic and international trophies throughout his career. His contributions have helped PSG dominate French football, while his leadership has inspired Morocco on the global stage.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Achraf Hakimi
1. He Chose Morocco Over Spain
Although Achraf Hakimi was born and raised in Spain, he was eligible to represent both Spain and Morocco at the international level. Despite having opportunities with the Spanish setup, he proudly chose Morocco, honoring his family’s roots.
That decision earned him immense respect among Moroccan fans and helped establish him as one of Africa’s most influential footballers.
2. He Started His Football Journey as a Striker
Before becoming one of the world’s best full-backs, Hakimi played as a centre-forward during his early youth career. It wasn’t until the age of 14 that he transitioned into a defensive role.
His attacking instincts from those formative years remain evident today, allowing him to contribute goals and assists regularly from the right flank.
3. The Zinedine Zidane Call That Launched His Career
One of the most memorable moments in Achraf Hakimi’s career came while he was still a young player at Real Madrid.
While having dinner with friends, Hakimi received an unexpected phone call from legendary manager Zinedine Zidane. With Dani Carvajal unavailable, Zidane informed him that he would start the next match for the first team.
That call marked the beginning of Hakimi’s rise at one of football’s biggest clubs.
4. The Story Behind His Famous Penguin Celebration
Hakimi’s iconic “penguin” celebration became globally recognized during the 2022 FIFA World Cup after his decisive Panenka penalty against Spain.
The celebration was actually a tribute to his close friend and former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappé. The pair had previously performed the celebration together, making it a symbol of their friendship.
5. He Has a Twin Brother
Many football fans are surprised to learn that Achraf Hakimi has a twin brother named Nabil Hakimi.
Unlike Achraf, Nabil prefers to stay away from the spotlight. Despite leading different lives, the brothers share a strong bond and continue to support each other.
6. His Bundesliga Records Still Stand
During his successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Hakimi made Bundesliga history.
He became the first Moroccan player to score a hat-trick in the German top flight. He also set a remarkable record by scoring just 17 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Hoffenheim, one of the fastest substitute goals in Bundesliga history.
7. He Played Through a Painful Injury at Real Madrid
Hakimi’s determination was evident from a young age.
During his final season at Real Madrid, he suffered a serious injury that required an extremely painful injection. According to Hakimi, the treatment left him struggling to walk for days, yet he still pushed himself to continue competing at the highest level.
His resilience became a defining characteristic of his career.
8. Boxing Is His Favorite Hobby
Away from football, Hakimi enjoys boxing as a way to stay physically and mentally sharp.
The sport helps him improve discipline, focus, and conditioning. Many fans believe his boxing training contributes to the intensity and competitiveness he displays on the football pitch.
9. His Foundation Has Helped Thousands of Children
Hakimi’s impact extends beyond football.
As a UNICEF Morocco Champion of Children’s Rights since 2021, he has actively supported initiatives focused on education and youth development. In 2023, he launched his own charitable foundation, which has positively influenced more than 20,000 children through sports and educational programs.
He has also contributed to humanitarian efforts, including earthquake relief and COVID-19 support initiatives.
10. He Recorded Morocco’s Best Ballon d’Or Finish
One of the biggest achievements in Achraf Hakimi’s career came in 2025 when he finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
This accomplishment made him the highest-ranked Moroccan player in the award’s history. It also represented one of the strongest Ballon d’Or finishes by a defender in modern football, highlighting his growing influence on the global stage.
Achraf Hakimi Career: A Legacy Still Being Written
From choosing Morocco over Spain to winning trophies across Europe, Achraf Hakimi’s journey is a story of talent, dedication, and perseverance. His success with PSG and the Morocco national team has cemented his place among football’s elite defenders.
As he continues to break records and inspire future generations, Hakimi’s legacy in world football is only getting stronger.
FAQs
Q. When did Achraf Hakimi join PSG?
A. Achraf Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after completing a transfer from Inter Milan for a reported fee of around €68 million.
Q. What major trophy did Achraf Hakimi win with Inter Milan?
A. Hakimi played a crucial role in helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title during the 2020–21 season, ending the club’s long wait for a league championship.
Q. What is Achraf Hakimi’s role in the Morocco national team?
A. Achraf Hakimi serves as the captain of the Morocco national football team and is one of the country’s most influential players.
Q. Which position does Achraf Hakimi play?
A. Hakimi primarily plays as a right-back, although he can also operate as a wing-back or on either side of the defense.
Q. Why is Achraf Hakimi considered one of the best right-backs in football?
A. His combination of speed, technical ability, attacking contributions, defensive awareness, and leadership makes him one of the most complete full-backs in world football.
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