Hakimi set to overtake Ziyech as Morocco’s record European appearance holder

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has matched Hakim Ziyech’s record of 83 appearances in European competitions, putting him on the verge of becoming the country’s outright record holder.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back reached the milestone on November 3, 2026, after starting his side’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Villarreal in the fourth round of the league phase.

According to statistics published by French network Stats Foot, Hakimi has now equalled Ziyech’s tally as the Moroccan player with the most appearances in European competitions.

Hakimi closes in on historic Moroccan record

The 27-year-old has made 81 appearances in the UEFA Champions League and two in the Intercontinental Super Cup.

His European career has included spells with four clubs: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

After beginning his career at Real Madrid, Hakimi gained further experience in Germany and Italy before establishing himself at PSG, where he has remained an important part of the club’s domestic and European campaigns.

Roma clash offers Hakimi chance to move ahead

Hakimi could claim the record outright when PSG face Italian side Roma on November 25 in the fifth round of the Champions League league phase.

Another appearance would take the Moroccan defender to 84 European matches, moving him ahead of Ziyech.

The former Chelsea and Ajax midfielder accumulated his 83 appearances across several European competitions and qualification rounds.

Ziyech recorded 45 appearances in the Champions League proper and 14 in its qualifying rounds. He also played 17 Europa League matches and six qualifying games in the competition, alongside one appearance in the Intercontinental Super Cup.

His European career included spells with Chelsea, Ajax, Galatasaray, FC Twente and Heerenveen.

The two Moroccan internationals reached the same total through different journeys, with Ziyech featuring in both the Champions League and Europa League, while most of Hakimi’s appearances have come in the Champions League.

Luis Enrique reaches Champions League milestone

Hakimi was not the only PSG figure to achieve a notable milestone during the Villarreal encounter.

According to Stats Foot, head coach Luis Enrique became the first manager to reach 50 Champions League matches with a French club.

Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Vitinha extended his remarkable run, having featured in all 58 of PSG’s Champions League matches since joining the club in the summer of 2022, according to the same statistical network.

Hakimi’s latest achievement adds to Morocco’s growing presence in European football, with the defender now just one appearance away from becoming the country’s outright record holder.