Achraf Hakimi is a talented footballer of Moroccan origin who has made a name for himself playing for some of the most prestigious clubs in European football. Coming from a North African background, Hakimi is on a mission to challenge the perceptions and prejudices that often surround Arab and African teams on the world stage. Representing the Moroccan national team, Hakimi is determined to lead his country to new heights in the world of football. He believes that the Moroccan national team has the potential to make a lasting impact and write its name in the annals of football history. With his skill, determination and unwavering commitment, Hakimi is paving the way for teams from the African continent to gain greater recognition and respect.
Off the pitch, Hakimi has become a role model for aspiring young footballers from diverse backgrounds. He uses his platform to inspire and empower others, sending a powerful message that talent and hard work can transcend any perceived limitations or stereotypes. By challenging the status quo and shattering preconceived notions, Hakimi is not only making strides in his own career, but also advocating for greater inclusion and representation in the sport he loves. As he continues to excel at the highest level of European football, Hakimi’s ultimate goal is to see the Moroccan national team reach new levels of success and earn the respect and admiration they so rightfully deserve. His journey is a testament to the limitless potential that exists within the African and Arab football communities, and his unwavering determination is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
November 4, 1998 was a joyous day for the Hakimi family, as they welcomed their son Achraf into the world in Madrid, Spain. The couple had emigrated from Morocco and the name Achraf, which means “the noblest” in Arabic, was an appropriate choice for their newborn son. The family later settled in the suburbs of Getafe, where Achraf grew up alongside his brother Nabil and sister Wadad. Young Achraf developed a close and loving relationship with his family, a bond that is reflected in the heartwarming messages he shares with them on social media to this day. From an early age, Achraf showed a natural inclination towards sports, much to the delight of his mother, who hoped he would excel in athletics or swimming.
However, Achraf’s true passion lay in football and his family, despite their modest financial means, where his father was a shopkeeper and his mother a cleaner, did everything in their power to make his dreams come true. Achraf’s dedication to training with local club CD Colonia Ofigevi was evident, even if it sometimes came at the expense of his studies. Although his parents were initially concerned, they eventually came to understand and support their son’s unwavering commitment to the sport he loved. In 2006, Achraf, aged 8, joined the youth academy of famous Spanish club Real Madrid, marking the start of an illustrious career that would see him become a revered figure in the world of football.
In June 2016, Achraf Hakimi, a graduate of La Fábrica, joined Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team. He even received an invitation from the legendary Zinedine Zidane to join the senior team for the International Champions Cup in the United States, where he made a cameo appearance against Paris Saint-Germain. During his season with Real Madrid Castilla, Achraf made his mark by scoring a memorable goal. Achraf's performances were particularly notable in the match against Fuenlabrada and in the UEFA Youth League, as well as in the Spanish Cup final. His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed.
On 19 August 2017, Achraf was promoted to the Real Madrid first team, where he assumed the role of backup to veteran players like Dani Carvajal and Nacho, wearing the coveted number 19 jersey. His La Liga debut was a resounding success, as his team secured a victory over Espanyol on 1 October. Just over two months later, on 9 December, Achraf found the back of the net against Sevilla, contributing to a convincing 5–0 victory. In the 2017/2018 UEFA Champions League campaign, Achraf made two appearances, helping Real Madrid win their 13th European title. Although he did not feature in the final, Achraf still won a medal, becoming the first Moroccan player to lift the prestigious Champions League trophy.
In early 2018, Real Madrid's campaign in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey ended in a defeat to Leganés. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in the match. Ronaldo subsequently publicly criticized the performances of teammates Kiko Casilla, Achraf Hakimi, and Marcos Llorente. In July 2018, Achraf joined Borussia Dortmund on loan. He quickly established himself by scoring in a Bundesliga match against Nürnberg on 27 September. In his first Champions League appearance for the club, Achraf provided three assists in a match against Atlético Madrid. The following year, in 2019, Achraf twice beat the Slavia Prague goalkeeper and then repeated the feat against Inter Milan, turning a 0–2 deficit into a 3–2 victory.
2020 began with Achraf setting a Bundesliga speed record, reaching a blistering 36,5 km/h in a match against Union Berlin. In the final match of the season against Paderborn 07, Achraf celebrated a goal by unveiling a t-shirt with the message “Justice for George Floyd,” a powerful statement of solidarity with the global movement against racial injustice. On July 2, Achraf’s career path led him to Inter Milan, where he signed a contract until June 30, 2025. The transfer fee, approximately €40 million, made him the most expensive defender in the club’s history. Throughout these achievements, Achraf has remained grounded and connected to his roots. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to using his platform to champion important social causes, underscoring his strong sense of humanity and social responsibility. His actions on and off the field have earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike.
Despite his interest in playing for such a prestigious club, the athlete was transferred to the French PSG as early as 2021. The Muslim believer cited the Arab-Muslim community in Paris as one of the reasons. The transfer is worth 60 million euros. The contract was signed until 2026. As a member of the new team, Hakimi became a national champion and winner of the National Super Cup.
Achraf has always expressed his immense pride and joy in representing the Moroccan national team. He made his senior debut in 2016, in a friendly match against Canada. His first goal for the national team came in September 2017, when he scored in a World Cup qualifier against Mali. In the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Achraf made his mark by finding the back of the net twice. He scored once each against Burundi and the Central African Republic, demonstrating his importance to the Moroccan team.
The deep bond that unites Achraf Hakimi to his home country is palpable. Wearing the Moroccan colours is a great source of pride and motivation for him, and he has always demonstrated his commitment to the success of the national team. His performances have not only contributed to the team’s achievements, but have also inspired a sense of national unity and pride among Moroccan fans. Achraf’s passion for representing Morocco is a testament to his strong roots and his desire to make a positive impact on the international stage. His contributions to the national team have cemented his status as a beloved figure in Moroccan football, and his unwavering dedication to his country’s colours is an inspiration to aspiring young players.
The first photographs of the footballer's beloved partner began to circulate on social networks in October 2018. It was the Spanish actress Hiba Abouk, of Libyan-Tunisian origin. Savvy viewers may recognize her from her roles in the television series La Isla de los Nominados, Cheers and El Príncipe. The footballer's fans were quick to shower the couple with praise and affection. The athlete himself has not hesitated to share his personal life with his fans, openly expressing his admiration for his partner and professing his feelings for her at every opportunity.
In 2019, the lovebirds took their relationship to the next level and officially tied the knot, despite the age gap of more than 10 years that separated them. Later that year, when it was announced that the athlete's beloved was expecting a child, he responded with a heartwarming gesture: he promised to score a goal and dedicate it to his future child. The footballer's openness about his personal life and the sincere affection he shares with his actress girlfriend have endeared him to his fans, who have welcomed the couple's story with warmth and enthusiasm. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love and the willingness to share one's personal journey with the world.
The famous footballer kept his word by scoring twice in a match against Slavia Prague in the Champions League group stage. On February 12, 2020, a joyous change occurred in the couple's lives: they welcomed their son, Amin. The family has since grown, with the arrival of a second child in spring 2022. In his spare time, Hakimi, who stands at 181 cm and weighs 73 kg, enjoys traveling, playing video games, and participating in water sports such as swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. Fans also know that their idol prefers a neat and fashionable hairstyle over a more striking appearance. Religion plays a large role in the athlete's life. He is a devout Muslim and observes Ramadan. Hakimi's dedication to his craft, his devotion to his growing family, and his commitment to his faith all contribute to the well-rounded personality that has endeared him to his fans. His ability to balance his professional and personal life, while maintaining a humble and grounded presence, has earned him admiration on and off the field.
Achraf Hakimi participated in the matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was named Man of the Match in the third match of the group stage, where the Moroccan national team beat Canada 2-1. Achraf provided the assist to Youssef En-Nesyri. With 7 points, the Moroccan national team qualifies for the round of 1986. This is a historic feat, as it had not happened since 3. In the round of XNUMX, the Moroccans managed to defeat the Spanish national team. The match ended in a draw, requiring penalties. The African team needed only XNUMX penalties, while the Spanish players failed to score a single one. The decisive goal for Morocco was scored by Achraf Hakimi, who propelled his team to the quarter-finals. Hakimi's contributions were crucial in Morocco's unexpected participation in the World Cup. His skills, composure and winning performances have cemented his status as a key figure in the national team. The pride and joy his achievements have brought to the Moroccan people is palpable, as they celebrate his team's historic achievements on the world stage.
