Hakimi’s Injury Sends Shockwaves Ahead of AFCON

During PSG’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich, Achraf Hakimi collapsed in visible agony following a lunging tackle from Luis Diaz. The incident left fans at the Parc des Princes in shock and reverberated through cities like Rabat and Casablanca. Hakimi, a standout performer this season with three goals and seven assists, was visibly distressed as he was taken off the field.

Medical assessments confirmed a severe sprain in Hakimi’s left ankle, which included partial damage to both the femoral syndesmosis and deltoid ligaments. While PSG announced that surgery would not be necessary, the projected six-to-eight-week recovery period raised immediate concerns about his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to commence on December 21 in Morocco.

For a player who has played a pivotal role in most of PSG’s matches this season, the timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate. The team’s defensive lineup is already strained due to injuries affecting Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele, and Hakimi’s absence could pose a significant challenge. The larger concern lies with the Moroccan national team, as their captain’s status for the country’s most crucial tournament in nearly fifty years is now uncertain.

In response to rising apprehensions, Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, swiftly sought to reassure the public. At a press conference held two days post-injury, he stated, “Achraf Hakimi is the first player I select on the list every time. I firmly believe he will recover faster than others. Achraf will do everything possible to be at the AFCON. We will support him and implement the best medical protocol to ensure he returns at 100%.”

Morocco’s coaching staff is already collaborating closely with PSG’s medical team to develop a recovery strategy that emphasizes expedited healing, physiotherapy, and gradual load management. Reports suggest Hakimi’s rehabilitation will occur in both Paris and Rabat, ensuring he has ample medical oversight while remaining integrated with the national team.

This confidence in Hakimi’s ability to recover is well-placed. Over the past five seasons, the 26-year-old has proven to be one of Europe’s most resilient players, having missed fewer than ten matches due to injury since 2020.

Regragui’s belief in Hakimi’s resilience is supported by data. Moroccan team analysts indicate that he typically covers between 11-12 kilometers per game, significantly contributes to offensive transitions, and boasts one of the highest defensive recovery rates among African defenders. “Achraf Hakimi is irreplaceable. He was a contender for the Ballon d’Or, and for us Moroccans, he is the best player in the world,” remarked Regragui.

Since his debut in 2016, Hakimi has been central to Morocco’s resurgence in international football. From his time at Real Madrid’s academy to stints at Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and presently PSG, he has developed into one of the most formidable full-backs globally, known for his precision and tactical awareness.

In the 2022 World Cup, Hakimi played every minute during Morocco’s historic journey to the semi-finals, directly contributing to victories against Spain and Portugal. His bold Panenka penalty in the shootout against Spain encapsulated Morocco’s fearless spirit. Following that, he has captained the national team in 15 matches, leading them to a perfect qualifying start for the 2026 World Cup and achieving a sixth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, the highest ever for a Moroccan player.

Regragui emphasized Hakimi’s unparalleled impact, noting his 88 appearances for Morocco, during which he scored 11 goals and assisted 15. “He drives the group both emotionally and tactically,” the coach explained. “He brings balance, ambition, and belief.”

Should Hakimi be unavailable for the initial matches, Noussair Mazraoui, the Manchester United full-back, stands ready to step into the breach. Regragui has expressed unwavering confidence in Mazraoui, stating, “I have always considered Mazraoui to be on par with Hakimi. He is an exceptional player, and it is now up to him to rise to the occasion.”

For Morocco, the upcoming AFCON represents more than just a tournament; it marks the nation’s return as hosts after 40 years, carrying with it the aspirations of a football-loving country that has not won the trophy since 1976.

The preparations have been promising. Under Regragui’s guidance, Morocco has lost only two of their last 20 matches, skillfully blending tactical discipline with offensive creativity. Key players such as Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri have matured into seasoned leaders, complemented by new talents like Bilal El Khannouss and Abde Ezzalzouli, who bring added creativity and eagerness.

Their opening match on December 21 in Rabat against Comoros will be pivotal in setting the tone for their campaign. Regardless of whether Hakimi is on the field or observing from the sidelines, his influence will be deeply felt.