Achraf Hakimi: why the PSG defender is in the debate to be the world’s best right-back

Achraf Hakimi’s combination of attacking quality, pace, physical power and tactical intelligence has made him one of the leading right-backs in world football and a key player for both Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco.

The 27-year-old has helped redefine the modern full-back’s role. Rather than focusing solely on protecting his flank, Hakimi regularly contributes to build-up play, creates chances and makes runs that can change the course of a match.

A decisive attacking presence

Hakimi’s acceleration and movement behind the defence provide Paris Saint-Germain with an additional attacking outlet. He can deliver from wide areas, move inside to combine with midfielders and arrive in the opposition penalty area at the right moment.

His numbers underline that influence. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, he scored four goals and provided six assists in 25 appearances. He has also recorded six assists in the 2025/26 Champions League.

On 20 October 2026, Hakimi again made a decisive contribution against FC Barcelona, supplying the cross from which Fabian Ruiz scored in PSG’s 4-2 victory.

His role is therefore not limited to supporting attacks. He can become one of the main sources of danger himself.

Pace that changes the way PSG play

Hakimi’s speed allows him to cover large distances in a matter of seconds, whether he is advancing to support an attack or recovering his defensive position. His physical strength also enables him to repeat those runs and maintain a high level of intensity throughout demanding matches.

That ability gives PSG greater freedom to defend higher up the pitch, combine in advanced areas and exploit spaces created by their forwards. Hakimi provides width, but his movement into depth also forces opponents to monitor him constantly.

His capacity to cover so much ground is particularly valuable in major European matches, where a small positional advantage can be enough to disrupt a defence.

Tactical understanding and collective balance

Hakimi’s importance goes beyond his athletic qualities. He is capable of judging when to move forward, when to combine with a winger and when to remain in position to reduce defensive risks.

Under Luis Enrique, he is expected to take part in circulation of the ball, offer options between the lines and help create numerical advantages. That attacking freedom also requires discipline, because his forward runs can leave space behind him if the team does not provide cover.

Managing that balance remains one of the few areas discussed in relation to his game. Nevertheless, his movement and ability to adapt to different phases make him a highly complete player.

Honours and international recognition

Hakimi’s status has been strengthened by his performances in major competitions. With Paris Saint-Germain, he has been part of a particularly successful period that has included Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.

His influence also extends to Morocco, where he is one of the senior figures in a side established among international football’s most competitive nations.

In November 2025, the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) named him African Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025 season. The award is particularly notable for a defender and reflects his impact across Africa and on the international stage.

Hakimi is under contract with PSG until 30 June 2029. His annual earnings are 14,550,000 euros, equivalent to 9,457,500,000 FCFA, while his current Transfermarkt valuation is estimated at 80 million euros.

Jules Kounde, Denzel Dumfries and other specialists remain part of the competition for the position, but few right-backs combine Hakimi’s attacking output, pace, game intelligence and experience at the highest level. That blend is the foundation of his claim to be the best in the world.