Achraf Hakimi

Defender · Morocco · #2

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Achraf Hakimi?

Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan right-back who has established himself as one of the most dynamic and attack-minded defenders in world football. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hakimi’s pace, crossing ability, and attacking intelligence will be crucial for Morocco as they aim to advance deep into the tournament. His performances for club and country have made him a key figure for Les Lions de l’Atlas, especially in their quest to replicate the historic success of their 2022 World Cup run.

Early Life and Childhood

Achraf Hakimi was born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain, to Moroccan immigrant parents from the northern city of Tetouan. Growing up in the multicultural district of Usera, Hakimi was surrounded by both Spanish and Moroccan cultures, which shaped his identity and footballing outlook. His father, a former amateur footballer in Morocco, played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s love for the game. By the age of eight, Hakimi’s raw talent was already evident, as he excelled in street football and local youth tournaments. His family eventually moved to the suburb of Alcorcón, where the local football scene fostered his development. The proximity to Real Madrid’s training facilities also meant that Hakimi often watched first-team players during their sessions, igniting his dream of becoming a professional footballer. His early experiences in Madrid’s diverse football landscape, where players from various backgrounds competed at high levels, helped refine his technical skills and adaptability.

Youth Career

Hakimi joined Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, at the age of nine, a testament to his prodigious talent. His time in the academy was marked by rapid progression through the youth ranks, where he was primarily deployed as a right-back but occasionally played as a winger due to his electrifying pace and dribbling. One of his standout performances came in the 2015–16 UEFA Youth League, where he scored a crucial goal in a 3–1 win over Paris Saint-Germain’s youth team, showcasing his potential to impact games in transition. By the age of 18, Hakimi was fast-tracked into Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s second team, where he made 28 appearances in the 2016–17 season. His performances earned him a late call-up to Real Madrid’s first team under Zinedine Zidane, where he made his senior debut on September 14, 2017, in a 2–1 Champions League victory over APOEL Nicosia. This milestone marked the beginning of his professional career, though he was still considered a prospect for further development.

Professional Club Career

Hakimi’s senior career took a significant turn in July 2018 when he joined Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan, a move designed to provide him with first-team experience in a competitive league. During his time in Germany, Hakimi quickly adapted to the physical demands of the Bundesliga, making 24 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His breakthrough came on April 28, 2019, when he scored a stunning long-range goal in a 4–0 win over Holstein Kiel in the DFB-Pokal semi-final, further cementing his reputation as a rising star. However, his most memorable moment in a Dortmund shirt came in the 2018–19 season when he scored the winning goal in a 3–2 victory over FC Bayern Munich, a performance that earned him widespread acclaim. Following his loan spell, Hakimi returned to Real Madrid but was deemed surplus to requirements under manager Carlo Ancelotti. This led to his high-profile transfer to Inter Milan for €40 million in July 2020, where he reunited with former Dortmund manager Antonio Conte. At Inter, Hakimi flourished as a key component of their treble-chasing squad, making 48 appearances and scoring 5 goals across all competitions. His partnership with Conte’s tactical system, which emphasized wing-backs pushing high up the pitch, allowed him to develop into a more complete defender.

In August 2021, Hakimi signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth €60 million, reuniting him with former Inter teammate Mauro Icardi and manager Mauricio Pochettino. His arrival at PSG was seen as a statement signing, reflecting the club’s ambition to build a formidable squad for European dominance. Hakimi quickly became a fan favorite at Parc des Princes, known for his blistering runs down the right flank, pinpoint crosses, and defensive contributions. His 2021–22 season was particularly impressive, as he made 42 appearances, scored 4 goals, and provided 5 assists, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double triumph. The 2022–23 season saw him build on this success, making 40 appearances and contributing 2 goals and 5 assists. While PSG fell short in their Champions League ambitions, Hakimi’s consistent performances solidified his status as one of the best right-backs in the world. As of the current 2025–26 season, Hakimi remains a cornerstone of PSG’s squad, leading their defensive line with authority while contributing attacking flair. His contract runs until June 2026, with a reported release clause of €150 million, underscoring his value to the club.

International Career

Hakimi made his senior debut for Morocco on May 27, 2016, in a 0–0 friendly draw against Congo at the age of 17, becoming the second-youngest player to represent the national team. His early international career was marked by rapid progress, and he soon became a regular starter under managers Hervé Renard and later Walid Regragui. Hakimi’s first major tournament with Morocco was the 2018 African Nations Championship, where he played a key role in their title victory. He was instrumental in Morocco’s historic 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign in Russia, where they reached the Round of 16 before losing 1–0 to Portugal. This marked his first World Cup appearance, where he played in all four matches, serving as a backup to Mehdi Benatia but demonstrating his versatility and potential as a future starter.

Hakimi’s most significant contribution to the national team came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was Morocco’s starting right-back in their unprecedented run to the semi-finals. Though he did not score in the tournament, his defensive solidity, attacking contributions, and leadership were vital to Morocco’s success. He made five appearances in Qatar, including the 1–0 win over Belgium in the group stage and the stunning 1–0 victory over Spain in the Round of 16. His performance against Spain, in particular, showcased his ability to nullify world-class attackers while driving Morocco forward on the counterattack. As of June 2026, Hakimi has earned over 50 international caps for Morocco, scoring 11 goals—a staggering ratio for a defender, highlighting his attacking prowess. His leadership and consistency have made him one of Morocco’s most influential players in their quest to qualify for and perform at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Achraf Hakimi’s FIFA World Cup journey began in 2018, when he was just 19 years old. Selected for Morocco’s squad for the tournament in Russia, Hakimi was handed the prestigious number 2 shirt, a decision that reflected his rapid rise in the national team. He made his tournament debut on June 15, 2018, in Morocco’s opening match against Iran, a 2–0 loss where he played the full 90 minutes as an inexperienced right-back. Hakimi’s performance in the following group-stage match against Portugal earned him praise, despite Morocco’s 1–0 defeat. His final appearance in Russia came in the Round of 16 clash against Spain, where he was at the heart of a defensive masterclass that kept Morocco in the game before losing in added time. His composure under pressure and ability to recover from early setbacks foreshadowed his later breakthrough under Walid Regragui.

Hakimi’s second World Cup appearance came in 2022, held in Qatar, where he was one of the standout performers for Morocco. He started all five of their matches and played a pivotal role in their historic run to the semi-finals. Notable moments include his aerial duel in the 88th minute against Spain in the Round of 16, which he won to secure a famous victory. In the quarter-final against Portugal, he nullified the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo and kept him largely irrelevant throughout the match. Though Morocco’s tournament ended in a 2–1 loss to France in the semi-final, Hakimi’s leadership and defensive excellence were widely recognized. His performance against France, where he made crucial interceptions and provided one assist, further cemented his reputation as one of the tournament’s best right-backs. As Morocco prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Hakimi enters the tournament as one of his country’s most experienced players. With his club form at PSG remaining world-class, expectations are high that he will again be a key figure in Morocco’s push to surpass their 2022 achievements.

Playing Style

Achraf Hakimi is a prototype modern right-back, blending defensive solidity with relentless attacking intent. Primarily deployed on the right flank, he operates as a traditional full-back in some phases but transforms into a wide midfielder in attacking transitions. His greatest strength is his electrifying pace, which allows him to overlap defenders and deliver cutback crosses with precision. Hakimi’s preferred foot is his right, but he is equally comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger foot or driving diagonally toward the byline. His ball-striking ability is a key asset, as he frequently attempts long-range shots and delivers dangerous set-piece deliveries, both from open play and corners. Defensively, Hakimi relies on his anticipation and recovery speed to track back and intercept passes, though his high defensive line can occasionally leave him exposed to counterattacks.

Tactically, Hakimi thrives in systems that demand wing-backs to push high into advanced positions, such as Antonio Conte’s 3–5–2 at Inter Milan or Mauricio Pochettino’s 4–3–3 at PSG. In these setups, he functions almost like an auxiliary winger, providing width and pinpoint crosses for strikers like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. His pressing intensity is moderate; he often engages in aggressive pressure to force turnovers in the final third, particularly during transitional moments. In PSG’s buildup play, Hakimi drops deeper to receive the ball, allowing him to drive forward with momentum or switch play to the left flank. His ability to read the game and position himself intelligently has made him a trusted figure in high-pressing and low-block systems alike. With a height of 5’11” and a muscular frame, he is also a dominant presence in aerial duels, winning over 50% of his challenges in the air.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Ligue 1: 2022, 2023
• Coupe de France: 2021, 2022
• Trophée des Champions: 2022, 2023

International Honours

• African Nations Championship: 2018

Individual Awards

• CAF Youth Player of the Year: 2019
• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2021, 2022
• IFFHS CAF Men Team of the Year: 2021, 2022

Career Statistics

Achraf Hakimi’s career trajectory has been defined by rapid progression and consistency at the highest levels. His breakthrough in European football came during his two seasons at Borussia Dortmund, where he began to attract attention from top clubs. Upon his return to Real Madrid, the 19-year-old’s potential was recognized, but his limited first-team opportunities underscored the competitive nature of Real’s squad. His move to Inter Milan represented a significant step forward, as he became a key player in Conte’s treble-chasing side, making 48 appearances across all competitions. At PSG, Hakimi has continued to flourish, reaching double figures in goal contributions in multiple seasons while maintaining defensive solidity. His 2021–22 season was particularly noteworthy, as he contributed directly to PSG’s double-winning campaign with 4 goals and 5 assists. As of the 2025–26 season, he continues to rank among Europe’s top assist providers for a full-back, with over 20 goals and 40 assists in his first five seasons at the club. His consistency has also earned him a reputation as one of the most durable players at PSG, rarely missing matches due to injury.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Achraf Hakimi’s net worth is estimated to be over $50 million, a figure driven by his lucrative contracts at PSG and a series of high-profile sponsorship deals. His primary commercial partner is Nike, with whom he has a long-term boot deal, as he primarily wears the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite. Hakimi also has partnerships with PepsiCo, appearing in global advertisements alongside other football stars. Additionally, he has endorsement deals with Hublot, a luxury watch brand, and Garnier, reflecting his appeal as a modern athlete with a cosmopolitan image. His social media presence, boasting over 20 million followers across platforms, has made him a sought-after influencer, further boosting his commercial value. Off the pitch, Hakimi has ventured into real estate, investing in properties in Dubai and Spain, capitalizing on his financial acumen. His business ventures and sponsorships have solidified his status as one of Africa’s and Europe’s most marketable athletes.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Achraf Hakimi earns a reported weekly salary of €350,000 at Paris Saint-Germain, making him one of the highest-paid players in Ligue 1. His contract with PSG is set to expire on June 30, 2026, with a reported release clause of €150 million, reflecting the club’s desire to retain him amid speculation about his future. Reports suggest that PSG has offered Hakimi an extension, though details of any new deal remain undisclosed. His salary places him among the top earners in European football, a testament to his status as a world-class right-back. While his earnings at PSG are the primary source of his income, his endorsement deals and business ventures contribute significantly to his overall net worth. Given his age and contract situation, Hakimi is in prime position to negotiate a lucrative extension or potentially attract offers from Europe’s elite clubs ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Personal Life

Achraf Hakimi is notoriously private about his personal life, and as of the 2026 season, the identity of his spouse/partner remains unconfirmed by credible sources. Unlike many of his high-profile peers, Hakimi has avoided publicizing his relationship, and no verifiable information about a partner or spouse has been disclosed in major media outlets. This discretion extends to social media, where he rarely shares personal content beyond football-related posts. Hakimi’s focus on his career and off-field business ventures suggests a deliberate choice to keep his private life shielded from public scrutiny. Despite this, occasional reports in Moroccan and Spanish media have speculated about a relationship with a non-celebrity partner, though nothing has been confirmed.

Off the pitch, Hakimi is known to be a family-oriented individual who maintains close ties with his parents and siblings. His father, who had a brief amateur football career in Morocco, remains a key influence in his life, often accompanying him to training sessions and international matches. Hakimi is also recognized for his charitable work, particularly in education and poverty alleviation in Morocco. In 2021, he launched the Hakimi Foundation, which aims to provide scholarships for underprivileged students in Tetouan, his father’s hometown. The foundation has partnered with local NGOs to fund school supplies, uniforms, and vocational training programs, reflecting Hakimi’s commitment to giving back to his roots. Additionally, he has supported initiatives related to children’s health, donating medical equipment to hospitals in Morocco. Away from football, Hakimi is an avid car enthusiast, owning a collection of luxury vehicles including a Porsche 911 and a Range Rover. He has also expressed interest in fashion, frequently collaborating with designers for custom suits and streetwear. His hobbies and interests reveal a multifaceted personality, balancing the demands of elite football with personal growth and philanthropy.

Controversies and Criticism

Achraf Hakimi has maintained a clean public profile throughout his career, with no significant disciplinary issues or controversies reported in major media. However, a review of his disciplinary record in Ligue 1 reveals a pattern of 10 yellow cards across multiple seasons, primarily for tactical fouls, unsporting behavior, or dissent. None of these incidents resulted in fines or suspensions, and they do not indicate a history of violent conduct or card accumulation. Below is a detailed breakdown of all documented controversies involving Hakimi: