Achraf Hakimi: Morocco & PSG Star Profile
Career Path
Born in Madrid in 1998 to Moroccan parents, Achraf Hakimi came through the Real Madrid academy and made his first-team breakthrough there before a formative loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Those two seasons in the Bundesliga, where he combined explosive pace with end product, established him as one of Europe's most exciting young defenders.
He then joined Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title, before completing a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. At PSG he has continued to collect French league titles and has become a fixture in one of the most star-studded squads in world football, lining up alongside elite forwards while anchoring the right side of the defence.
Style of Play
Hakimi is the modern definition of an attacking full-back. His standout attribute is raw acceleration, allowing him to overlap, get to the byline and deliver crosses or cut inside to shoot. He contributes goals and assists at a rate that few defenders in the world can match.
Defensively he relies on his recovery speed to cover ground, and he is comfortable operating as a traditional right-back or as a wing-back in a back-five system. That tactical flexibility makes him a manager's dream and a constant outlet in transition.
Role for Morocco
Hakimi is arguably the face of the modern Moroccan national team. Despite being born and raised in Spain, he chose to represent Morocco, the country of his heritage, and has become an emotional leader for the Atlas Lions.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar he was instrumental in Morocco's historic run, providing attacking thrust down the right and famously converting the decisive penalty in the dramatic shootout victory over Spain in the round of 16. His celebration in front of his family became one of the defining images of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 Outlook
With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Hakimi is expected to be a cornerstone of Morocco's squad in his prime years. Having already tasted a semi-final, the ambition for the Atlas Lions will be to go even further.
As one of the team's most experienced and decorated players, Hakimi's leadership, big-game temperament and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch make him central to Morocco's hopes of another deep run on North American soil.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Right-back / wing-back |
| Club | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Born | 1998, Madrid, Spain |
| Nation | Morocco |
| Known for | Pace, overlapping runs, attacking output |
Quick facts
FAQ
What position does Achraf Hakimi play?
He plays primarily as an attacking right-back or wing-back, known for his pace and his contribution going forward.
Why does Hakimi play for Morocco if he was born in Spain?
Hakimi was born in Madrid to Moroccan parents and chose to represent Morocco, the country of his heritage, at international level.
What did Hakimi do at the 2022 World Cup?
He was a key player in Morocco's run to the semi-finals and scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Spain in the round of 16.
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