Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco international Achraf Hakimi carries enormous expectations into AFCON 2025. Recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, Hakimi has spent several weeks injured but pushed relentlessly to return in time for the tournament. In Morocco, he is widely seen as a role model — the image of the “perfect” professional. His single objective for this Africa Cup of Nations is clear: victory.
Hakimi appeared before the press on Saturday morning for his first media appearance of the tournament, smiling, relaxed, and dressed in Morocco’s training kit. In front of cameras from around the world, he stood out naturally — the face of a Moroccan side united around one ambition: lifting the trophy on January 18 in Rabat.
His image is omnipresent across the Moroccan capital, notably on large advertising billboards throughout the city during the competition. Following his African Ballon d’Or win, this AFCON represents an opportunity for the PSG star to reach an even higher level of recognition if Morocco triumphs. Despite being sidelined for weeks with injury, Hakimi never considered missing the tournament.
“If I don’t have to play for the team to win, I’ll do it. I think about the collective. If we win without me playing, that’s not a problem,” he explained to the media.
“I didn’t want to miss this competition. As soon as I got injured, I told the coach I would do everything to be able to play with the group.”
A Player Who Embodies Moroccan Values
Hakimi is undeniably the star of the team. In the Rabat souks, his jersey is everywhere.
“Hakimi is the most requested name by customers,” says Marouane, a shirt vendor.
“For the national team, his jersey sells more than Brahim Diaz, Bounou, or Amrabat.”
Nearby, another vendor, Jamel, adds:
“Before, people didn’t buy many PSG shirts. But since Hakimi joined them, PSG has become a team Moroccans love. Today, you see a lot of Paris shirts in the streets. Ousmane Dembélé is also appreciated because his wife is Moroccan.”
Over the years, Hakimi has become increasingly visible to the Moroccan public. His videos and photos on social media generate huge engagement.
“Hakimi is now an ambassador for Morocco, beyond his talent on the pitch,” explains Anas Bakhkhar, journalist for Medi1TV in Tangier.
“In Moroccan families, there is a strong value placed on respect for one’s mother, and Hakimi was one of the first to show this openly. We’ve often seen him alongside his mother at events and award ceremonies. After winning the African Ballon d’Or, he thanked his mother. We also saw this during the 2022 World Cup. Hakimi truly represents Moroccan values: humility, hard work, and love of family.”
“An Example to Follow”
Many Moroccans describe Hakimi as “the big brother.” He represents a generation of young athletes who have risen to stardom within the country. He was also among the first players to commit fully to the Moroccan national team without hesitation, despite being born and raised in Spain. His choice helped push Morocco toward the global elite, culminating in a historic semifinal appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Since then, youth teams have flourished, and investments in federation infrastructure have begun to bear fruit.
Hakimi is above all the face of Moroccan youth.
“At such a young age, he has already achieved so much. He’s an example to follow, even in his behavior,” says singer Lartiste, who will perform at the AFCON opening concert.
“He’s unanimously admired by everyone from 7 to 77 years old. Shirts are printed with Hakimi everywhere, he’s present everywhere, he’s the natural leader. When he got injured, 40 million people felt pain in their ankle.”
His aura within the country is immense.
“In Morocco, he has incredible presence. Everyone wears the Hakimi jersey. There are number 2s everywhere in the streets. He’s an ambassador for the country,” adds comedian Younes Depardieu, of Moroccan origin and a PSG supporter.
“He represents Moroccan culture. He’s very humble. I’ve met him a few times — he’s incredibly kind, well educated, never looks down on anyone, always smiling. He’s pure class. We couldn’t dream of a better player.”
Now, it’s up to Achraf Hakimi to deliver.