AFCON 2025: ‘He’ll overcome it’ – Luis Enrique stands by Achraf Hakimi following painful final heartbreak

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has backed Achraf Hakimi following the Moroccan defender’s disappointment in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Lions were edged out 1–0 by Senegal on home soil.

Despite the pain of losing a continental final in front of his own supporters, Hakimi returned to club duty with the full confidence and support of his manager, who highlighted both the player’s character and his overall contribution during the tournament.

Speaking ahead of PSG’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Sporting Lisbon, Enrique used the occasion to reflect on the Africa Cup of Nations and Hakimi’s role in Morocco’s run to the final.

The Spanish coach stressed the importance of perspective in elite football, acknowledging the achievements of both the champions and the beaten finalists.

“That is football. In the end, the Senegalese national team won the Africa Cup of Nations, and it is our duty to congratulate the champions on this well-deserved title,” Enrique said.

Confidence in Hakimi’s mentality

Enrique was equally keen to single out Hakimi’s individual performance and mental strength, insisting the full-back would quickly put the setback behind him.

“We must also praise Achraf Hakimi’s performance as a player and congratulate the Moroccan national team on their outstanding level despite not winning the title. I am confident in Hakimi’s ability to quickly overcome the disappointment of losing the final,” he added.

The comments underline the trust Enrique places in Hakimi, who remains a cornerstone of PSG’s project. The French champions are enjoying a sustained period of success under the former Spain coach, having swept up all available domestic honours last season, with only the Club World Cup missing from their collection.

A key figure in Enrique’s project

Hakimi’s importance is reflected in the numbers. He ranks 19th among the players most used by Enrique throughout his coaching career, a list that spans club and international football.

Across 109 matches under the Spaniard, the Moroccan has delivered consistently high standards, combining relentless athleticism with attacking output, scoring 18 goals and providing 26 assists.

Beyond statistics, the relationship between Enrique and his squad has been central to PSG’s momentum. Hakimi’s situation also mirrors Enrique’s broader empathy with Moroccan football.

The coach previously defended Brahim Diaz after the forward endured intense scrutiny for a missed penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final, reinforcing his reputation as a manager who prioritises player welfare alongside performance.