Big stars of the Africa Nations Cup 2025: unfolding the super icon of Morocco – Achraf Hakimi

•Brought to you by Cerutti Media in association with Mudi Africa

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is already buzzing with talent, but one name shines brighter than the rest: Achraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint‑Germain right‑back has turned heads across the continent, and we’re diving deep into the journey that forged this modern‑day Moroccan legend. From the streets of Madrid to the grand stage of the AFCON, Hakimi’s story is the stuff of football folklore.

Born on 4 November 1998 in Madrid, Spain, to Moroccan parents Hassan and Saida, Hakimi grew up in the working‑class neighbourhood of Getafe. His father sold goods on the streets while his mother cleaned houses, and the young Achraf split his time between school, chores, and kicking a ball on any patch of concrete he could find. Bilingual in Arabic and Spanish, he learned early on that perseverance would be his ticket out of the barrio 

Hakimi’s first taste of organized football came at the age of eight when he joined local club Colonia Ofigevi. Scouts from Real Madrid noticed his lightning‑quick feet and raw instinct, and by twelve he was whisked into La Fábrica. The academy moulded him from a winger into a versatile full‑back, a transition that would become his trademark on the biggest stages 

After a solid stint with Real Madrid Castilla, Hakimi made his senior debut for Los Blancos in October 2017, scoring twice in La Liga before a two‑year loan to Borussia Dortmund. In Germany, his blazing pace—once clocked at 36.48 km/h—earned him a reputation as one of the fastest defenders in the world and helped Dortmund claim the DFL‑Supercup in 2019 

A €40 million move to Inter Milan in 2020 saw Hakimi win the Serie A title in his debut season, and two years later Paris Saint‑Germain broke the bank, signing him for around €60 million. At PSG, he’s been instrumental in four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, a historic UEFA Champions League triumph in 2025, and a quadruple‑winning campaign that left fans ecstatic 

Internationally, Hakimi debuted for Morocco in 2016 and has since become the nation’s talismanic right‑back. He featured in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, famously scoring the decisive penalty against Spain in 2022, and led Morocco to a record‑breaking 16‑match unbeaten streak in 2025. His leadership on the pitch earned him the captain’s armband and a place in the hearts of millions 

The 2025 season was a masterclass in consistency. Across all competitions, Hakimi logged over 3,400 minutes, netting 11 goals and adding 12 assists while helping PSG claim the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions. Those performances propelled him to the top of the CAF voting, and in February 2025 he was crowned African Footballer of the Year, beating the likes of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen 

So what makes Hakimi a super icon? It’s not just his trophy cabinet or blazing speed—it’s the humble kid from Getafe who never forgot his roots, the player who balances defensive solidity with attacking flair, and the ambassador who carries Moroccan pride onto the world stage. As the AFCON 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on the man in the PSG jersey; he’s rewriting what a full‑back can be.

Stay tuned for more exclusive insights, brought to you by Mudi Africa, and don’t miss the daily nuggets of hope that will keep the 2025 Christmas spirit alive all season long. 

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