Achraf Hakimi was born on 4 November 1998 in Madrid, Spain. His parents, Hassan Hakimi and Saida Mouh, come from Morocco. The family, in search of better prospects, migrated to Spain. Hakimi grew up in Getafe, where he got acquainted with Moroccan traditions and Spanish customs at the same time.
Hakimi developed a passion for football very early: he joined a local club, CD Colonia Ofigevi, before getting noticed by Real Madrid. Interestingly, for some time, Achraf thought the invitation to try out for Real Madrid was a joke even though he was only seven back then. That opportunity eventually changed the course of his life.
Rise Through Real Madrid
Hakimi joined Real Madrid’s famous youth academy, La FΓ‘brica, in 2006. Initially playing in attacking positions, he was gradually developed into a right-back because of his extraordinary pace, stamina, crossing ability and defensive awareness.
He progressed to Real Madrid Castilla before making his senior debut in 2017. Although his first-team opportunities were limited, he became part of a squad that won several major trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Dortmund, Inter Milan and PSG
A two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund from 2018 to 2020 proved crucial for Hakimi’s development. Playing regularly in the Bundesliga allowed him to mature tactically and showcase his attacking qualities. He contributed nine goals and 10 assists during the spell.
In 2020, Hakimi joined Inter Milan, where he worked under Antonio Conte. His performances helped Inter win the 2020β21 Serie A title, ending the club’s long wait for another league championship.
Hakimi moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. At PSG, he developed into one of Europe’s most influential attacking full-backs. His ability to transform quickly from defender to attacker became a major feature of his game.
Champions League Glory
The 2024β25 campaign became one of the defining chapters of Hakimi’s career. PSG won the Ligue 1, Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League, completing a memorable treble.
In the Champions League final against Inter Milan, Hakimi scored PSG’s opening goal in their emphatic 5β0 victory. His goal also made him the first Moroccan player to score in a European Cup/Champions League final.
Morocco and World Cup History
Although born in Spain, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco internationally. His greatest international achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Hakimi’s iconic Panenka penalty kick against Spain in the round-of-16 penalty shootout is one of the highlights of this tournament. He has become a leader for Morocco and assumed the captain’s armband for the national team.
Playing Style
Hakimi is not merely a classic right-back. His extraordinary speed allows him to merge with the attackers, run into open spaces behind the defenders, and come back after rushing forward. His running and kicking skills have made Hakimi impactful in terms of attacking, and his growing understanding of position play and defense has improved his game further.
His adaptability has given coaches the opportunity to use him as a wing-back as well as in more advanced attacking roles. He thus becomes even more useful in the modern playing philosophy based on possession of the ball.
Net Worth and Personal Details
According to the estimates, by 2026, Hakimi’s net worth is expected to reach around 37 million dollars, as the bulk of his earnings will come from his PSG salary, bonuses, and various sponsorship and commercial contracts.
Outside football, Hakimi is proud of his connection to Morocco. His story of achieving his dreams, from living in a poor district of Madrid to becoming one of the top wing-backs in the world, has made him a role model for Morocco and for African football as a whole.
Legacy
The success of Hakimi is more than just a story of trophies and transfers. It is about how family support and perseverance made it possible to turn ambitions of a kid into a successful international career.
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