The psychological fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final continues to ripple through Moroccan football, with Achraf Hakimi emerging as one of the players most deeply affected by the dramatic defeat to Senegal.
More than a week after the painful night in Rabat, the scars of that loss remain visible, particularly for a player who carried the weight of expectation, physical discomfort and national hope throughout the tournament.
Hakimi’s AFCON campaign was shaped by adversity from the outset. An injury delayed his involvement until the knockout stages, and even then he returned without the sharpness that usually defines his performances.
For Morocco, hosting the tournament amplified both the pressure and the disappointment, especially after a final decided in extra time following a sequence of moments that swung emotions sharply against the Atlas Lions.
The sense of unfinished business has lingered, affecting several players, but Hakimi’s status as a leader and symbol of the team placed him at the centre of the psychological storm.
Back in Paris, Paris Saint-Germain have treated the situation with notable caution. While Hakimi has rejoined training, the club’s handling of his return has been deliberately understated.
His absence from recent matchday involvement was not a tactical snub but a calculated decision, reflecting internal concern about his mental and physical readiness after an exhausting international spell.
PSG’s approach has extended beyond team selection. Reports indicate the club has intentionally limited public exposure surrounding Hakimi’s return, avoiding promotional content that could intensify media scrutiny or invite negative reactions in the wake of Morocco’s AFCON disappointment. This low-profile strategy underscores an understanding that recovery, in this case, goes beyond muscle and fitness.
Head coach Luis Enrique has taken a hands-on role, engaging directly with the Moroccan international to assess his emotional state and confidence levels. Within the technical staff, there is a clear belief that restoring Hakimi’s psychological balance is essential before expecting him to rediscover the explosive form he regularly shows at club level.
Physical considerations also remain central, given the strain he placed on himself to feature during the latter stages of the tournament despite incomplete recovery.
As a result, PSG appear unwilling to rush Hakimi back into high-stakes fixtures, even in the Champions League, preferring patience over short-term gain. The club’s priority is long-term stability, aiming to guide one of its key players through a quiet rebuilding phase.
