WORLD CUP EXPLAIN
Defender

Achraf Hakimi

Paris Saint-GermainMorocco
Quick Bio

Morocco''s captain and the standard-bearer for a golden generation that shocked the world by reaching the 2022 semifinals. Hakimi, 27, is a modern attacking right-back: he defends, then bombs forward with the pace and end product of a winger. Now a Champions League winner and Africa''s reigning Player of the Year at PSG, he is among the very best at his position on Earth. For U.S. fans, he is a true two-way force — the equivalent of a do-it-all safety who shuts down one side and then makes the highlight play on offense.

Stats & Trivia
Age27
ClubParis Saint-Germain
Morocco caps95
Morocco goals11
Honors2025 African Player of the Year; 6th in 2025 Ballon d'Or
PositionRight-back

Did You Know?

  • Helped Morocco become the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal, in 2022.
  • Named 2025 African Player of the Year and finished 6th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or — the best ever by a Moroccan.
  • An attacking right-back and a Champions League winner with PSG.
Sources & References
  1. Wikipedia — Achraf Hakimi(accessed 2026-06-01)
  2. FBref — Achraf Hakimi(accessed 2026-06-01)