Achraf Hakimi is one of the best full-backs in the world. His speed, attacking instincts, and defensive awareness make him a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Morocco. Over the years, he has played for top clubs, won major trophies, and shined on the international stage. His career has been a journey of growth, adaptation, and success.
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Early Life and Beginnings
Hakimi was born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain. His parents were Moroccan immigrants who worked hard to support their family. From a young age, he loved football. He joined Real Madrid’s youth academy at just eight years old.
At La Fábrica, Real Madrid’s famous academy, he quickly stood out. His pace, technique, and versatility caught the attention of coaches. He started as a winger but later moved to full-back, where his attacking skills could shine.
Real Madrid: The First Steps
Hakimi’s first big break came in 2017. At 18, he was promoted to Real Madrid’s first team. With Dani Carvajal injured, he got chances to play. He made his debut in a 2-0 win against Espanyol and even scored his first goal against Sevilla.
That season, he was part of the squad that won the Champions League, La Liga, and the Club World Cup. However, regular playing time was hard to find. Real Madrid had established stars, and Hakimi needed minutes to develop. So, in 2018, he went on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund: The Breakout Star
In Germany, Achraf Hakimi exploded onto the scene. Dortmund gave him the freedom to attack, and he thrived. His blistering pace and attacking runs made him one of the best young full-backs in the world.
During his two-year loan, he played 73 games and scored 12 goals. He also provided many assists, often combining with Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland. One of his most memorable performances came in the Champions League. He scored twice against Inter Milan in a thrilling comeback win.
His time in Dortmund proved he was ready for the top level. Real Madrid had the option to bring him back, but competition for places was tough. Instead, in 2020, he joined Inter Milan.
Inter Milan: Serie A Champion
At Inter, Hakimi took his game to another level. Under Antonio Conte, he played as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation. This role suited him perfectly. He had more attacking freedom and used his speed to dominate the right flank.
In his first and only season at Inter, he was one of their best players. He scored seven goals, provided eight assists, and helped Inter win their first Serie A title in 11 years. His chemistry with Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez was crucial to the team’s success.
However, Inter faced financial problems. To balance their books, they had to sell key players. PSG saw an opportunity and signed Hakimi for €60 million in 2021.
Paris Saint-Germain: A Key Player
Hakimi arrived in Paris with big expectations. At PSG, he joined a star-studded squad featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. He adapted quickly and became a vital part of the team’s defense and attack.
In his first season, he helped PSG win Ligue 1. His performances were impressive, but the team struggled in the Champions League. However, Hakimi kept improving. His ability to play both as a right-back and wing-back made him invaluable.
His link-up play with Mbappé has been especially dangerous. Both players are incredibly fast, making PSG lethal on the counterattack. Defensively, he has also improved, becoming more disciplined and reliable.
By 2025, Hakimi is considered one of the best right-backs in the world. He continues to be a key player for PSG, competing for domestic and European titles.
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International Success with Morocco
While Achraf Hakimi was born in Spain, he always dreamed of playing for Morocco. He made his debut for the national team in 2016 at just 17 years old. Since then, he has been Morocco’s most important player.
At the 2018 World Cup, he gained valuable experience, but Morocco was eliminated in the group stage. However, the 2022 World Cup was a different story.
Hakimi led Morocco to a historic semi-final run, the best finish ever for an African nation. He played a crucial role in their victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. His iconic Panenka penalty against Spain in the Round of 16 became one of the tournament’s most memorable moments.
Since then, Hakimi has continued to be a leader for Morocco. He played a key role in their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, helping them reach the later stages of the tournament. His passion for his country is evident every time he steps on the pitch.
Playing Style: Speed, Skill, and Versatility
Hakimi’s playing style is unique. His greatest strength is his speed. Few players can match him in a sprint. This allows him to make overlapping runs, recover defensively, and be a constant attacking threat.
Offensively, he is more than just a runner. He has excellent dribbling, precise passing, and a powerful shot. He can cross the ball well and also cut inside to take shots. His ability to play in different positions—right-back, wing-back, and even right-wing—makes him a coach’s dream.
Defensively, he has improved a lot. Early in his career, he was criticized for being too attack-minded and sometimes neglecting his defensive duties. However, at PSG and with Morocco, he has become more balanced. His tackling, positioning, and one-on-one defending have all gotten better.
Challenges and Growth
Despite his success, Achraf Hakimi has faced challenges. Moving to different leagues required constant adaptation. At Real Madrid, he struggled for game time. In Dortmund, he had to prove himself. At Inter, he adjusted to a new system. And at PSG, he had to deal with immense pressure.
Off the pitch, he has also faced personal challenges. But through it all, he has remained focused on his game. His mentality, work ethic, and desire to improve have helped him overcome obstacles.
What’s Next for Hakimi?
Hakimi is in his prime. He has already played in Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. The question is, what’s next?
PSG remains ambitious, and winning the Champions League is a top priority. Hakimi will continue to be a key part of that mission. If he ever leaves, a return to Real Madrid or a move to the Premier League could be possibilities.
For Morocco, he will aim to win an Africa Cup of Nations and lead them to another strong World Cup performance. With his talent and leadership, Morocco has a bright future.
The Legacy of Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi has already achieved so much. He has won league titles in multiple countries, starred in the World Cup, and established himself as one of the best right-backs in the game.
But his story isn’t over. He continues to grow, improve, and inspire. Whether for PSG or Morocco, Hakimi remains a player fans love to watch. His speed, skill, and passion make him one of the most exciting footballers today.
Wherever his career takes him next, one thing is certain: Achraf Hakimi will continue to leave his mark on the game.
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