Achraf Hakimi equals Samuel Eto’o in historic Champions League appearance record

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has moved level with Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o on the list of African players with the most UEFA Champions League appearances.

Hakimi started for Paris Saint-Germain against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday as Luis Enrique named him in the starting XI for the opening league-stage fixture of the competition.

The appearance took the Paris Saint-Germain defender’s Champions League total to 78, putting him alongside former Real Madrid and Barcelona forward Eto’o.

Hakimi continues impressive Champions League journey

The Moroccan has featured in Europe’s premier club competition with four different teams during his career.

His Champions League appearances have come with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, underlining his consistency at the highest level of European football.

According to Stats Foot, Hakimi is now joint-third among African players for Champions League appearances.

His latest appearance further strengthens his standing among the continent’s most experienced players in the competition.

Salah remains Africa’s most experienced

Egyptian star Mohamed Salah leads the African appearance chart with 98 Champions League matches.

The former Liverpool forward is followed by Ivory Coast great Didier Drogba, who made 92 appearances during his Champions League career, primarily with Chelsea.

Hakimi and Eto’o are joint-third with 78 appearances, with the Moroccan now having the opportunity to climb higher on the list as PSG’s European campaign continues.