Achraf Hakimi is a name that stirs excitement across the football world, and nowhere is his impact felt more keenly than in Europe’s top leagues. Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi’s early talent emerged in Spain, but it was his adventurous move to Germany with Borussia Dortmund that caught the eye of scouts across Europe. His blend of thunderous pace and attacking ambition quickly marked him out as one of the continent’s most promising young right-backs.
Hakimi’s career trajectory soared once he joined Inter Milan in 2020, helping them secure their first Serie A title in over a decade. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) snapped him up in 2021 for a fee that underlines both his potential and immediate impact. In Paris, he developed into a keystone of the team’s ambitions, blending defensive discipline with offensive prowess.
Defining Moments in 2025: Glory and Uncertainty
The year 2025 has brought both triumph and turbulence for Hakimi. This season, he played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic run to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Hakimi set the tempo in the final, opening the scoring in a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. This crowning achievement comes after years of PSG knocking on the door of European glory, and Hakimi’s pace and attacking threat were key to getting them over the line.
Statistically, Hakimi remains among Ligue 1’s standout performers. As of July 2025, he tallied four goals and eight assists across all competitions, demonstrating his value at both ends of the pitch. His attacking contributions, particularly from right-back, are matched by few players in the world.
Hakimi’s influence extends beyond club football. As Morocco’s captain, he continues to lead his national team with pride, fresh off a memorable campaign at the 2024 Olympics and a strong showing at the Africa Cup of Nations. For supporters in both France and Morocco, Hakimi stands as a figure of hope and inspiration.
A Cloud Overhead: Legal Proceedings
Despite on-pitch heroics, Hakimi now finds himself facing serious allegations in France. French prosecutors recently called for the PSG and Morocco star to face trial over a rape accusation dating back to February 2023—a charge Hakimi emphatically denies.
Prosecutors allege that Hakimi invited a woman to his Paris home, and later engaged in non-consensual acts. The case has become a topic of national conversation, not only in France but also in the UK, where many have tracked Hakimi’s career since his days at Dortmund and Inter. His lawyer has labelled the prosecutor’s call for trial as “incomprehensible and senseless”, maintaining Hakimi’s innocence and vowing to pursue all avenues of appeal if required.
The case highlights the difficult intersection of celebrity, justice, and public scrutiny. While an investigating magistrate has yet to decide whether to proceed to a full trial, the situation has drawn significant media attention, adding a heavy personal burden during the high point of Hakimi’s sporting career.
The View from the UK: A Star Still on the Rise
Fans across the UK, whether watching the Champions League final or tuning in to PSG’s standoffs with English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, have grown used to seeing Hakimi maraud up the wing. His electric display during PSG’s semi-final clash with Arsenal drew widespread praise and featured on sports bulletins throughout Britain.
British pundits have described Hakimi as a “modern full-back,” equally adept at defending as a storming forward, often outpacing midfielders and strikers alike. In a recent interview following PSG’s win over Arsenal, Hakimi presented himself as grounded, focused on hard work, and appreciative of the recognition coming his way.
What Next for Hakimi?
Looking ahead, PSG have secured Hakimi on a contract extension that runs until 2029, signalling their faith in his abilities and value to the club’s future projects. As the Parisian side looks to build on their European success, Hakimi’s versatility and stamina will be at the heart of their ambitions.
Off the pitch, supporters in London and Manchester remain intrigued about whether he could one day grace English football. Given his recent history and PSG’s success, such a move is unlikely in the short term. For now, Premier League fans will watch closely from afar as Hakimi continues to shape his legacy on the European stage.
Understanding Achraf Hakimi’s Appeal
At 26, Hakimi is already a household name, recognised as one of the world’s best in his position. His commitment to the game, combined with a natural humility, has won admirers well beyond France and Morocco. Whether marauding up the wing at the Parc des Princes or leading Morocco to new heights, Hakimi brings a sense of excitement every time he steps onto the field.
The months ahead will be critical—not just for his legal situation but also for his position in world football. If cleared, there is every expectation that Hakimi’s reputation will only grow, while a conviction would mark a dramatic and unprecedented fall from grace.
For supporters in the UK, as in the rest of the world, Hakimi’s journey remains one of the most compelling stories in football. Whether for reasons of talent, controversy, or charisma, he is set to remain in the headlines for the foreseeable future.
Champions League Heroics
Hakimi’s performances in the Champions League also stood out. He scored crucial goals in both the semi-final victory over Arsenal and the Coupe de France final win over Reims. In the final against Inter, he was instrumental in setting the tone, opening the scoring and leading PSG to a commanding triumph. His efforts have now placed him among the contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, a rare accolade for a full-back.
Conclusion:
Achraf Hakimi stands as one of football’s brightest talents, admired for both his on-pitch brilliance and his leadership qualities. Despite recent legal challenges, his achievements for PSG and Morocco continue to inspire fans across the UK and beyond. As his career progresses, Hakimi’s journey remains a powerful story of skill, determination, and resilience, capturing the imagination of football supporters around the world.