Is Achraf Hakimi the Best Right-Back in the World?
The Attacking Weapon
Hakimi is arguably the most dangerous attacking fullback in football. His top-end speed lets him overlap, beat opponents in transition, and arrive in the box like an extra winger.
His numbers back it up. Across spells at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi has consistently posted goal and assist tallies that most attacking midfielders would envy, redefining what a modern right-back can contribute.
The Big-Game Record
Hakimi delivers when it matters most. He scored the winning Panenka penalty against Spain at the 2022 World Cup and netted the decisive goal against Portugal's group rivals during Morocco's run.
At club level he has won league titles in three different countries and reached the latter stages of the Champions League, proving his quality on the biggest stages rather than just in domestic football.
The Defensive Debate
Critics point out that Hakimi's attacking instincts can leave space behind him, and that he is not a traditional shut-down defender in the mold of more conservative fullbacks.
However, in Morocco's disciplined system, with Amrabat covering, those risks are managed. His one-on-one defending and recovery pace are strong, and the trade-off for his attacking output is one most coaches gladly accept.
Where He Ranks
In any honest list of the world's best right-backs, Hakimi is at or near the top, frequently named alongside rivals from the Premier League and beyond. For pure attacking impact, many place him first.
For Morocco, he is irreplaceable. His ability to single-handedly swing matches makes him the most important player in the squad and one of the marquee names of the entire 2026 World Cup.
| Attribute | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Pace | Elite, among fastest in football |
| Attacking output | Top-tier goals and assists for a fullback |
| Big-game record | Decisive in 2022 World Cup and finals |
| Defensive solidity | Good, occasionally caught upfield |
| Overall ranking | Consensus top 2-3, many say No. 1 |
Hakimi's case for world's best right-back
FAQ
Why is Hakimi rated so highly?
His combination of elite pace, exceptional attacking output, and decisive big-game performances make him one of the most complete attacking right-backs in the world.
Does Hakimi play for PSG?
Yes, Hakimi plays his club football for Paris Saint-Germain after previous spells at Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan.
What is Hakimi's most famous moment for Morocco?
His Panenka penalty to eliminate Spain in the 2022 World Cup round-of-16 shootout is his defining national-team moment.
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