Achraf Hakimi’s form dip at PSG: Injuries and tactical changes among key factors

Achraf Hakimi’s influence at Paris Saint-Germain has declined this season, with injuries, tactical adjustments and his personal situation identified as possible factors behind the Moroccan defender’s drop in form.

The PSG full-back continues to be the team’s biggest runner, but his attacking numbers have fallen compared with the previous campaign. According to L’Équipe, Hakimi has scored once and provided five assists in 22 matches.

Those figures represent a notable decrease from his impact during the 2024-25 season, when the Morocco international was among PSG’s most influential players and made a significant contribution to their attacking play.

Despite continuing to cover considerable distances during matches, Hakimi has struggled to reproduce the same level of effectiveness in front of goal.

L’Équipe has pointed to several possible reasons for the change.

One of the main factors is the two serious injuries Hakimi has suffered. The periods spent away from competitive football have interrupted his rhythm, while returning to his previous physical and technical level can require additional time.

The newspaper also highlights changes to PSG’s tactical approach under Luis Enrique.

Ousmane Dembélé, who previously operated in areas where he developed a strong understanding with Hakimi, now plays in a more central position. That alteration has affected one of the Moroccan’s most productive relationships on the pitch.

Hakimi’s combinations with Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in last season, and more recently with Maghnes Akliouche, have also failed to produce the same level of understanding that he enjoyed previously.

As a result, the defender has not been able to find the same attacking rhythm or influence that made him such an important part of PSG’s play during the previous campaign.

L’Équipe has also examined Hakimi’s situation away from football.

The Moroccan is involved in an ongoing legal case following a rape accusation made by a young French woman. The proceedings remain ongoing, and the newspaper suggests that the circumstances surrounding the case could potentially have an impact on the player’s performances.

The legal matter is separate from his footballing responsibilities, but L’Équipe considers it another element of the wider context surrounding Hakimi during a difficult period.

For PSG, the decline in Hakimi’s contribution represents a noticeable change from last season, when his attacking influence was particularly significant.

The defender remains heavily involved in the team’s physical workload, but his reduced goal and assist numbers underline the difference in his output.

Injuries, changes to PSG’s tactical structure and the circumstances surrounding the player have therefore all been highlighted as possible explanations for his current form.

Hakimi will now look to regain the level that previously made him one of PSG’s most effective players as the season continues.