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Achraf Hakimi rose from humble beginnings to become one of football’s elite defenders. His journey blended speed, skill, and unbreakable spirit, culminating in his 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year triumph.
Early Career at Real Madrid
Hakimi joined Real Madrid’s academy at age seven in 2006. He progressed steadily through youth ranks and debuted for Castilla in 2016. Coaches praised his versatility and attacking flair from the right-back position. He won the UEFA Youth League in 2017, showcasing his potential.
Real Madrid promoted Hakimi to the first team in 2017. He appeared in the Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey. Limited minutes under Zinedine Zidane led to a pivotal loan move.
Breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund signed Hakimi on a two-year loan in 2018. Lucien Favre transformed him into a dynamic wing-back. He scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists across competitions. Fans loved his explosive runs and defensive solidity. Dortmund reached the Champions League round of 16 in 2019, with Hakimi earning a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Serie A Success with Inter Milan
Hakimi transferred permanently to Inter Milan in 2020 for €40 million. Antonio Conte utilized him perfectly in a back-five system. He contributed seven goals and 10 assists as Inter clinched the 2020-21 Serie A title, ending a 11-year drought. Hakimi claimed his first major league honor. Inter won the Supercoppa Italiana as well. His form attracted bigger clubs.
PSG Era and Domestic Dominance
Paris Saint-Germain bought Hakimi in 2021 for €60 million. He won Ligue 1 in his debut season and added the Trophée des Champions. PSG secured multiple titles in seasons that followed, including Ligue 1 in 2021-22, 2023-24, and 2024-25 campaigns. Hakimi delivered consistent performances, often leading attacks with pace that terrorized opponents. He scored crucial goals in key matches.
International Heroics with Morocco
Hakimi debuted for Morocco in 2016 at age 17. He chose Morocco over Spain despite dual nationality. He played a vital role in Morocco’s 2018 World Cup qualification. Morocco reached the 2018 World Cup group stage, where he scored against Spain.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup marked his peak. Morocco achieved a historic semi-final run, the first African team to reach that stage. Hakimi scored the winning penalty against Spain in the round of 16. Morocco finished fourth overall. He earned a spot in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament and won the 2022 CAF Team of the Year multiple times.
Landmark 2025 CAF African Player of the Year Victory
Hakimi claimed the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award on November 19, 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco. He edged out Victor Osimhen and Mo Salah. His 2024-25 season shone brightly. He contributed 11 goals and 15 assists for PSG. Morocco enjoyed strong African Nations Championship success.
Hakimi became the first defender to win since 1970s legends. He expressed immense pride in representing Morocco and Africa. This award solidified his status as a role model for young players.
