Achraf Hakimi’s career is hitting new heights at the Africa Cup of Nations in what has been an unforgettable year for him, the best of his career, and one that has put him in the spotlight thanks to titles and performances. He won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain last season and established himself as the best right back in the world under Luis Enrique, a project in which he has become the team’s on-field leader.
That run of form earned him the African Ballon d’Or a month ago at the CAF awards gala, a major distinction. Still, he wants more. Next on his horizon is the chance to lift a title with Morocco, their first in 50 years. The Atlas Lions are hosting the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, with the opportunity to end decades of continental drought. (Morocco play Senegal in the Africa Cup of National final today at 2 p.m. ET).
None of this would be possible without Hakimi. The fullback was the first major “recruitment coup” by the Moroccan federation at Spain’s expense. Despite being born in Getafe, feeling deeply Madrileño, developing at Real Madrid, and appearing on Spain’s radar, Hakimi was persuaded early to represent Morocco. He played at Under-17, Under-20, and Under-23 level before quickly stepping up to the senior side, with whom he has featured in Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cups.
Carvajal, an immovable barrier at Real Madrid and for Spain
The presence of Dani Carvajal in the same position, and the overlap between Hakimi’s emergence and Carvajal’s best years, blocked his path with Spain. The same dynamic played out at Real Madrid. Despite winning the Champions League in his early days as a Madrid player, Hakimi had to move on and build a successful career away from Spain, first at Borussia Dortmund and Inter, and then brilliantly at PSG.
In other words, neither with the Spanish national team nor at Real Madrid. What might have been, but never was. A miscalculation that deprived La Roja and Madrid of an elite talent, while delivering trophies to PSG and, as this tournament may confirm, to Morocco.
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