Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence following the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, offering a heartfelt reflection on the tournament and the Moroccan team’s performance.
Posting on social media, the Paris Saint-Germain defender paid tribute to the Moroccan people, his teammates, and the coaching staff, while emphasizing the lessons learned from a tournament that ended in heartbreak against Senegal.
“After very difficult days, trying to process everything that happened, I needed to express myself from the heart,” Hakimi wrote. “First, I want to thank His Majesty for the immense work done to ensure that this Africa Cup of Nations is, without a doubt, the best in history, and hosted in our country. Thank you for the vision, the support, and the constant love for football and for Morocco.”
Après des jours très difficiles, en essayant d’assimiler tout ce qui s’est passé, j’avais besoin de m’exprimer avec le cœur.
Je tiens d’abord à remercier Sa Majesté, pour l’immense travail accompli afin que cette Coupe d’Afrique soit, sans aucun doute, la meilleure de… pic.twitter.com/Scb38XexB3
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) January 20, 2026
Hakimi also acknowledged the fans’ unwavering support during the 35-day competition.
“Thank you for being there for every match, every minute, every emotion. You were our twelfth man, our strength when our legs were heavy and our hearts ached. We felt your support in Morocco and in every corner of the world.”
Turning his focus to his team, Hakimi praised the players and coaching staff for their commitment and unity.
“For the work, the commitment, and the enormous sacrifice we made together… a group that showed the world that Morocco doesn’t just compete: Morocco inspires. Today, this Moroccan national team has become a strong, respected, and admired team, reflecting a country that is moving forward with confidence and showing the world that it belongs among the great footballing nations.”
The European champion concluded on a note of optimism: “This journey doesn’t end here. What we have experienced forms a solid foundation for the future. With this mindset, this unity, and this ambition, there are no limits to what this team can achieve. Morocco will continue to move forward with its head held high.”
Hakimi is expected to return to Paris Saint-Germain this Tuesday and could feature in the team’s Ligue 1 match against Auxerre on Friday.
