Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi hails Luis Enrique after Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Champions League triumph

Achraf Hakimi has credited manager Luis Enrique as the driving force behind Paris Saint-Germain’s maiden UEFA Champions League victory following their emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in Saturday’s final.

The Moroccan defender, who opened the scoring at the Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, was quick to highlight the transformative impact of Enrique on the club’s fortunes.

Speaking to Movistar Plus after the match, Hakimi praised the Spanish coach’s influence both on and off the pitch.

“Luis Enrique is the man who changed everything at PSG,” Hakimi said. “Since his arrival, he has made the club see football in a different way. He is a loyal man, one of the few left in this world. He deserves it more than anyone. We have written the history of the club, the city and the country. It’s incredible.”

The 25-year-old right-back has been a standout figure in PSG’s campaign, playing a pivotal role in the French side’s journey to continental glory.

His early strike in the final set the tone for a commanding performance from a team long haunted by near-misses on Europe’s biggest stage.

Over the course of the tournament, Hakimi delivered a remarkable return of nine goals and 14 assists—numbers typically reserved for forwards—underlining his influence in Enrique’s dynamic system.

His attacking prowess from the back proved decisive on several occasions as PSG navigated a demanding campaign.

Luis Enrique, who took charge ahead of the 2024 season, has overseen a radical shift in the team’s playing philosophy.

Under his stewardship, PSG have blended their individual flair with greater tactical cohesion, shedding their past reputation for inconsistency in high-stakes European matches.

Hakimi’s public endorsement adds to the growing chorus of praise for the former Barcelona and Spain coach, whose reputation for nurturing team unity and instilling discipline has seemingly unlocked the full potential of PSG’s star-studded squad.

Saturday’s final marked not only a personal triumph for Hakimi but also a watershed moment for a club often criticised for underachieving on the European stage despite significant investment.

With the Champions League trophy now secured, the Moroccan international believes PSG have turned a corner—one he firmly attributes to the leadership of Luis Enrique.