Achraf Hakimi has spoken passionately about his pride in representing Morocco after helping Paris Saint-Germain clinch a historic UEFA Champions League victory.
The Moroccan international joined the national team in Fez this week as the Atlas Lions began preparations for upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia on 7 June and Benin on 9 June.
Hakimi arrives in camp fresh from one of the most significant achievements of his club career — lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG.
The French champions secured their first-ever European crown in emphatic style, dismantling Hakimi’s former club Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
The 25-year-old right-back played a starring role, opening the scoring and setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Speaking to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Hakimi reflected on the magnitude of the moment and extended his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his journey.
“Thank you very much, it was a very special moment for us, for the fans, and for the city of Paris,” Hakimi said. “We’re very proud of the work we’ve done.
These are the moments every footballer dreams of — and I’m fortunate to be living that dream.”
While Hakimi’s individual and club accomplishments have placed him firmly among football’s elite, the defender used the opportunity to pay tribute to his roots. In a message directed at his homeland, he emphasised the vital role Morocco plays in his continued success.
“I’m proud to be Moroccan,” he declared. “I wanted to bring my country with me in this achievement because Moroccans give me the strength to continue. I hope to inspire the children and people back home, to give them hope.”
Hakimi, who has long been regarded as a symbol of Moroccan pride, once again underlined his connection to the national cause.
His words carried added weight as he rejoined a team still building on the momentum from their remarkable 2022 FIFA World Cup run, where Morocco reached the semi-finals — the best finish by any African side in history.
Addressing aspiring young footballers in Morocco, Hakimi shared a message grounded in humility and discipline.
“Work hard, stay focused, and listen to your coaches. If you do that, anything is possible,” he said.
His message comes at a time when many young Moroccans continue to look up to him as a role model. Hakimi’s journey — from the streets of Madrid to the grand stages of European football — embodies the dreams of countless young players across North Africa and beyond.
Now with the Champions League trophy in hand, Hakimi’s attention shifts once more to national duty. His ambition is clear: to lead Morocco to even greater heights on the international stage. As he returns to the red and green jersey, his presence offers both leadership and inspiration for a new generation.
For Morocco, Hakimi’s voice resonates not just as a champion on the pitch, but as a proud ambassador off it.
🎥🎙️ Achraf Hakimi s’exprime au micro de la FRMF ! Quelle fierté notre capitaine 🇲🇦💪 #HakimiBallondOr pic.twitter.com/F7eVpETgB8
— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) June 3, 2025
