Achraf Hakimi is a professional footballer. He plays as a right-back for Paris Saint-Germain. He also captains the Morocco national football team. He is considered one of the best right-backs in world football.
Hakimi started his senior career at Real Madrid Castilla. He later moved into the Real Madrid first team in 2017. During that time, he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
After that, he went on loan to Borussia Dortmund for two seasons. He then signed for Inter Milan. At Inter, he played a big role in helping the club win the Serie A title in 2020–21. It was their first league title in over a decade.
In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain for around €68 million. At PSG, he won multiple Ligue 1 titles and Coupe de France trophies. He also helped the club reach major European success. He won back-to-back UEFA Champions League wins in 2025 and 2026.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Achraf Hakimi
Could Have Played for Spain but Chose Morocco
Achraf Hakimi was eligible for the Spanish national team. But he never hid his love for his parents’ homeland. From a young age, he chose to wear Morocco’s jersey. That decision strengthened his bond with millions of fans and turned him into one of Africa’s biggest football stars. A choice of heart over convenience.
Was a Striker Until Age 14
Few would guess this today. Achraf Hakimi started his youth career as a centre-forward. He didn’t switch to full-back until he was 14 years old. That early goal-scoring instinct is still obvious in his attacking runs and his surprising contributions in front of goal. A striker’s heart trapped in a defender’s body – lucky for us.
The Call from Zidane That Changed His Life
Achraf Hakimi’s first-team debut with Real Madrid came in a remarkable way. He was having dinner with friends when his phone rang. It was Zinedine Zidane himself. Dani Carvajal was injured, Zidane said simply: “You’re in, you’re starting.” A casual dinner interrupted by a life-changing call from a legend. Dream debut.
The Meaning Behind His ‘Penguin’ Celebration
After scoring the winning Panenka penalty for Morocco against Spain at the 2022 World Cup, Hakimi waddled with his arms by his sides. It wasn’t random. The penguin celebration was a tribute to his friend and former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappé. The two had previously celebrated a goal by dueting the same move together. Brotherly love.
He Has a Twin Brother
Yes, Achraf Hakimi has a twin brother. His name is Nabil Hakimi, and the two have shared a close bond since birth. Nabil has pursued his own path, staying mostly out of the public eye. But he remains a constant support system in his twin’s life.
Holds a Bundesliga Record That Still Stands
During his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Hakimi made Bundesliga history. He became the first Moroccan to score a hat-trick in the league. Even more impressively, he broke the record for the fastest goal by a substitute – finding the net just 17 seconds after coming on against Hoffenheim. Speed on the wings, speed off the bench.
Once Forced to Play After a Painful Injection
During his final season at Real Madrid, an 18-year-old Achraf Hakimi developed a severe injury. He later revealed that the injection he needed was so painful he could barely walk for two days. But his desire to succeed was so strong that he played through the pain. A young man’s toughness that foreshadowed his warrior mentality.
His Secret Hobby: Boxing
When he’s not bombing down the wing, Hakimi has a surprising way to unwind. He devotes part of his time to boxing, a sport he used to practice with his ex-wife, Hiba Abouk. He says boxing helps him release tension and stay focused. That edge off the pitch translates into his performances on it. A fighter in every sense.
His Charity Work Has Impacted Over 20,000 Children
Beyond football, Achraf Hakimi is a quiet philanthropist. He has served as a UNICEF Morocco “Champion of Children’s Rights” since 2021. In 2023, he launched his own foundation, which has since positively impacted over 20,000 children through sports and education programs. He has also donated to earthquake relief and COVID-19 efforts. A star with a big heart.
Highest Ballon d’Or Finish by a Moroccan
In 2025, Achraf Hakimi achieved a historic individual milestone. He finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings – the highest position ever recorded by a Moroccan player. It was also the best finish for a defender since 1973. That recognition cemented his status as one of the world’s elite footballers. A full-back finally getting his due.
FAQs
Q. When did Achraf Hakimi join Paris Saint-Germain?
A. Hakimi joined PSG in 2021 for around €68 million.
Q. What major title did Hakimi win with Inter Milan?
A. Hakimi helped Inter Milan win the Serie A title in the 2020–21 season.
Q. What role does Hakimi have in the Morocco national team?
A. Hakimi is the captain of the Morocco national football team.
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