Achraf Hakimi: the reasons behind his rise

PSG are enjoying a superb season, top of Ligue 1 and through to the Champions League quarter-finals, and that is partly down to Achraf Hakimi. Defensively or going forward, the Madrid-born player delivers. He fully embraces his status as one of the senior members of the squad, with 5 goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances. The former Real Madrid player keeps improving, and there are several reasons behind that rise.

A 4th season at PSG, the one where he has matured

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Achraf Hakimi joined PSG from Inter Milan on 6 July 2021 for 68 million euros. The Moroccan is in his 4th season and is one of the longer-serving members of the squad. This season, the 26-year-old right-back has adapted fully to his team and to the philosophy of coach Luis Enrique. The Madrid-born player is playing with total freedom.

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In Paris colours, Hakimi has rarely let anyone down. He has always performed and has always risen to the occasion in big games. But this season the Atlas Lion is playing at an unprecedented level and is giving complete satisfaction to his coach as well as to PSG's board and supporters.

Hakimi, a key man in Luis Enrique's system

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In Luis Enrique's second season, Achraf Hakimi has understood all the Spanish coach's expectations and demands. The latter favours a resolutely attacking style with increased possession of the ball. The Morocco international is enjoying it.

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Under Luis Enrique, Achraf Hakimi has a degree of freedom. Although he is a right-back by trade, he plays a big part in building the attacking play. Most of the time he can be seen in the opposition penalty area. And he is increasingly decisive, whether with goals or assists. His coach's instructions are paying off. The Spanish manager believes the Moroccan player can shine going forward. And the player is repaying him handsomely by being in top form.

Going forward, Achraf Hakimi is PSG's extra man. The figures from the specialist site Whoscored are telling. The 26-year-old averages 2.3 key passes, 89.8 accurate passes, 0.8 crosses and 75 passes per match. The Morocco international is at the peak of his career. And Luis Enrique did not hold back in praising him.

“If you say he is the best right-back, I tell you I have never come across a better right-back than him, but I repeat that he has an enormous margin for improvement. He still has huge potential. He is discovering himself as a player and as a man. He is on that path. Despite his youth, he has a lot of experience, and he must be a reference point on and off the pitch. For that, words are not enough, you have to show it through actions, and he is doing that. I feel he is better than last year,” said the Spanish coach at a press conference.

A new contract that frees Hakimi up even more

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Achraf Hakimi has the trust of his club's hierarchy. For a very long time, the management have always wanted to keep him despite interest from other clubs. On 7 February 2025, PSG officially announced the extension of their right-back's contract until June 2029. A new deal that confirms the capital club have no desire to let him go. Now established as first choice in his position, the Moroccan gives everything on the pitch.

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Besides, Hakimi never wanted to leave PSG. Although he was linked with Real Madrid and other big clubs, the 26-year-old only ever wanted to shine in Paris colours. His wish was granted by his bosses with this new contract.

“I am very happy to continue my journey with Paris Saint-Germain. I would like to thank the President, the Sporting Director and the coach, who made this possible. This club and its supporters really have something special. Here I have an ideal setting in which to work and thrive on the pitch. It is an honour to represent this great club and I am eager to keep contributing to its history,” said Hakimi when the contract extension was announced.