Fresh off Paris Saint-Germain’s triumphant European campaign, Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi has unequivocally named Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest footballer of all time, placing the Portuguese legend above Lionel Messi in a recent “GOAT challenge” interview with beIN Sports.
Hakimi’s decisive endorsement carries added weight, considering his unique experience of having played alongside both icons at the highest club level.
Having shared the dressing room with Ronaldo during his stint at Real Madrid, and now teammates with Messi at PSG, Hakimi’s perspective offers a rare insight into this enduring debate.
“When it comes to the GOAT, my choice is CR7,” Hakimi stated firmly. The unequivocal declaration leaves no room for ambiguity, highlighting the admiration he holds for Ronaldo’s impact and achievements.
The interview also saw Hakimi reflect on his favourite striker, where he surprised many by naming Samuel Eto’o ahead of Karim Benzema. The Cameroonian legend’s name resonated with Hakimi’s personal preferences, though his selection sparked spirited discussions on social media platforms.
Supporters of Benzema pointed to the French forward’s impressive career, notably his Ballon d’Or win and sustained excellence with Real Madrid.
Hakimi’s standing at PSG continues to rise following a stellar season that culminated in European glory for the club. His defensive prowess and attacking contributions have marked him as one of the premier players globally, securing his place as a cornerstone of the Parisian side.
Contracted with PSG until 2029, the 25-year-old is widely tipped to contend strongly for the African Ballon d’Or, where he faces direct competition from Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
Salah’s campaign with Liverpool has been outstanding, highlighted by his Premier League Player of the Year award, which he secured ahead of rivals Erling Haaland and Luis Díaz.
However, Salah’s aspirations for the African footballer’s ultimate individual honour may be hindered by Liverpool’s recent exit from the Champions League at the hands of PSG, dimming his chances for further continental acclaim.
The contrasting fortunes of these two African superstars encapsulate the intense competition at the pinnacle of football. Hakimi’s bold declaration of Ronaldo as the GOAT, combined with his preference for Eto’o as his favourite striker, paints a picture of a player deeply influenced by both the legends he has worked alongside and the African greats who paved the way.
As Hakimi continues to build on his reputation with PSG and on the international stage with Morocco, his voice adds a fresh chapter to the ongoing Messi versus Ronaldo debate—one that will surely fuel conversations among fans and pundits alike for years to come.
