Background

Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan footballer who plays as a right-back and is known for his explosive pace and attacking overlaps. Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, he came through Real Madrid's academy before loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan, where he won Serie A in 2021. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 for a reported €60 million fee and has been one of Europe's most consistent attacking full-backs since. He earned 100-plus caps for Morocco and served as a key figure in their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run.

Hakimi remains Morocco's captain throughout the 2026 World Cup, playing every minute as the Atlas Lions won Group c, then eliminated the Netherlands on penalties and co-host Canada 3-0 in the round of 16. His cutback set up Azzedine Ounahi's opening goal against Canada on 4 July. Morocco now face France in Boston on 9 July, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final France won 2-0. At club level Hakimi plays alongside several France internationals at Paris Saint-Germain, adding personal familiarity to a fixture already billed as Morocco's toughest test of the tournament.

Common Questions

What club does Achraf Hakimi play for?

Hakimi plays for Paris Saint-Germain, having joined in 2021 from Inter Milan for around €60 million after winning Serie A.

What did Achraf Hakimi do at the 2022 World Cup?

Hakimi was a key figure as Morocco reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. He scored the winning penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against Spain.Source: event

Where was Achraf Hakimi born?

Hakimi was Born in Madrid, Spain, to Moroccan parents, and came through Real Madrid's youth academy before choosing to represent Morocco internationally.

What did Achraf Hakimi do against Canada at the 2026 World Cup?

Hakimi set up Azzedine Ounahi's opening goal with a cutback as Morocco beat co-host Canada 3-0 in the round of 16 on 4 July 2026.Source: event

Why is Morocco playing France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final?

Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in the round of 16 to set up a 9 July quarter-final against France in Boston, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final France won 2-0.Source: event

How the World Sees Them

Spain

Spanish football watchers follow Hakimi with particular interest given his Madrid roots; his choice to represent Morocco over Spain is treated as a significant moment in debates about dual-national player allegiances.

Morocco

Hakimi is one of the faces of Morocco's footballing renaissance, valued as much for his mentorship of younger squad members as for his technical quality.

France / PSG

At PSG, Hakimi is regarded as one of the club's most consistent performers across a period of significant squad turbulence and managerial change.