During a Champions League match between PSG and Bayern, Achraf Hakimi suffered a severe ankle injury after a lunging tackle from Luis Diaz, leaving fans in shock. The incident hushed the Parc des Princes and reverberated through Morocco’s cities, Rabat and Casablanca. Known for his pivotal role this season, with three goals and seven assists, Hakimi was visibly distressed as he was taken off the pitch. Subsequent medical evaluations indicated a significant sprain in his left ankle, with partial damage to the femoral syndesmosis and deltoid ligaments. Fortunately, PSG confirmed that surgery would not be necessary; however, the projected six-to-eight-week recovery period raises concerns over his availability for the Africa Cup of Nations, set to commence on December 21 in Morocco. Hakimi has been a regular starter for PSG this season, and his injury comes at a challenging time for the team, which is already grappling with injuries to key players like Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele. More critically, this injury poses a significant risk for Morocco, whose captain’s participation in their most crucial tournament in decades is now uncertain. In response to rising concerns, Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, acted swiftly to reassure fans. At a press conference just two days post-injury, he stated, “Achraf Hakimi is the first player I select on the list every time. I firmly believe he’s a player who can recover faster than others. Achraf will do everything he can to be at the AFCON. We will support him and implement the best medical protocol to ensure he returns at 100%.” The coaching staff has begun collaborating closely with PSG’s medical team to create a tailored recovery plan aimed at accelerating healing and integrating physiotherapy and load management. Reports suggest that Hakimi’s rehabilitation will occur between Paris and Rabat, ensuring he remains under expert supervision while staying connected to the national team. Regragui’s confidence in Hakimi’s ability to recover stems from the player’s impressive track record. Over the past five seasons, the 26-year-old has been one of Europe’s most durable players, missing fewer than ten matches due to injury since 2020. This trust in Hakimi is not unfounded. Analyzing his contributions, Moroccan team analysts report that he covers 11-12 km per game, plays a vital role in offensive transitions, and boasts one of the best defensive recovery rates among African defenders. “Achraf Hakimi is an irreplaceable player. He was a contender for the Ballon d’Or. For us Moroccans, he is the best player in the world,” remarked Regragui. Since his senior debut in 2016, Hakimi has been central to Morocco’s rise in international football. His journey from Real Madrid’s academy to Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now PSG has established him as one of the world’s most formidable full-backs known for his precision and tactical awareness. At the 2022 World Cup, Hakimi was instrumental in Morocco’s historic semi-final run, contributing to victories over Spain and Portugal. His audacious Panenka penalty against Spain became a defining symbol of Morocco’s fearless identity. Since then, he has captained the national team in 15 matches, guiding them to a perfect start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and achieving a sixth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or—an unprecedented achievement for a Moroccan player. Regragui emphasized Hakimi’s irreplaceable influence, noting that he has played 88 matches for Morocco, scoring 11 goals and providing 15 assists. “He drives the group emotionally and tactically,” the coach highlighted. “He brings balance, ambition, and belief.” Should Hakimi be unable to participate in the initial matches, Noussair Mazraoui, the Manchester United full-back, stands ready to step into the breach. Regragui’s trust in Mazraoui is clear: “I have always considered him to be of the same calibre as Hakimi. He is a very great player. It is up to him to help us now. I have no doubt about Noussair; he is a soldier.” For Morocco, the forthcoming AFCON represents more than just a tournament, as the Atlas Lions prepare to host the event for the first time in 40 years, carrying the aspirations of a football-loving nation that has not claimed the trophy since 1976. With a promising build-up under Regragui, during which Morocco has lost only two of their last 20 matches, the team blends tactical discipline with attacking flair. Stars like Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri have matured into seasoned leaders, while a new generation, including Bilal El Khannouss and Abde Ezzalzouli, brings additional creativity and drive. Their opening match on December 21 in Rabat against Comoros will set the tone for their AFCON campaign. Regardless of whether Hakimi starts that evening or watches from the sidelines, his impact will undoubtedly be felt.
