Morocco coach, Walid Regragui has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will lead the Atlas Lions as the skipper ahead of the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The North African country will host the rest of the continent later this year.
Speaking to French broadcaster RFI, the Morocco boss made it clear: “Achraf is a starter for us, full stop. He’s performing well at PSG and would walk into any team in the world. He matters to us on and off the pitch.”
At club level, the 26-year-old operates with far more attacking license, even popping up in midfield or forward positions.
“At PSG, he has more freedom, like we saw with his goal against Arsenal in the Champions League,” said Regragui. “With us, we ask for more balance between defence and attack. Still, he remains a threat going forward.”
Regragui also pointed to the short prep time in international windows.
“He trains daily with his PSG teammates. We get ten days. We’re building something with Brahim Díaz. Luckily, they’ve known each other since Real Madrid.”
The Moroccan coach noted a shift in Hakimi’s style and temperament: “He’s more focused now, tidier in defense. You don’t see many full-backs like him anymore. The last one to have that kind of impact was Cafu. Opponents can’t relax with him on the pitch.”
He’s also taken on more responsibility. “He’s not loud, but when he speaks, it lands. He wore the armband at the Olympics. Now he’s our leader.”
Despite carrying a hamstring injury, Hakimi insisted on playing through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and even in the third-place match against Croatia. “Nine out of ten wouldn’t have risked it. He did. That tells you what the national team means to him.”
Hakimi will captain the side in next year’s AFCON on home soil. Pressure, says Regragui, they’ll turn it into fuel.
The coach ended with a nod to Hakimi’s recent recognition.
“He’s just won the Marc-Vivien Foé award. If he lifts the Champions League, Ligue 1, and AFCON…well, the Ballon d’Or isn’t out of the question.”
