Achraf Hakimi matched a long-standing Champions League record previously held by Brazilian full-back Marcelo after delivering another standout performance for Paris Saint-Germain in their quarter-final second-leg clash against Aston Villa.
The Moroccan right-back, renowned for his blistering pace and attacking instincts, scored a crucial goal in a tightly contested match, further strengthening his status as one of Europe’s most dynamic defenders.
With that effort, Hakimi now boasts two goals and five assists in this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign—bringing his direct goal contributions to seven.
That tally equals the record set by Marcelo during Real Madrid’s 2017–18 Champions League run, underlining Hakimi’s influence on PSG’s journey in the competition.
For a player nominally positioned in defence, his consistent ability to impact the game in the final third has become a defining trait of his style.
While once celebrated purely for his defensive duties, Hakimi is increasingly proving himself an offensive force—one capable of altering the outcome of high-stakes encounters.
His overlapping runs, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing have turned him into one of PSG’s key weapons in Europe this season.
Marcelo’s record, set over six years ago during a historic campaign that culminated in Real Madrid’s 13th European title, was regarded as a benchmark for attacking full-backs.
Now, Hakimi’s achievement has revived conversations about the evolving role of defenders in modern football—players who are expected not only to shut down threats but also to spark attacks and score goals.
This season, Hakimi has consistently delivered in crucial moments for PSG, and his Champions League performances have come at a time when the French giants are aiming to finally claim the elusive European title that has long escaped them.
For Morocco as well, Hakimi’s achievements resonate beyond club football. His continued excellence at the highest level of European competition reflects the rising prominence of African footballers in elite competitions and underscores the quality and depth of talent emerging from the continent.
His goal against Aston Villa was not merely a statistical milestone but a decisive contribution that helped steer PSG closer to a possible semi-final berth. It came in a match where margins were slim, and moments of individual brilliance made the difference.
At just 25 years old, Hakimi has already played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe—including Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now PSG—and he continues to add layers to an already impressive career. As he matches records set by legends of the game, his trajectory suggests that he may not stop there.
As the Champions League progresses, all eyes will remain on Hakimi—not just to see whether he can break Marcelo’s record but also to witness how far he can lead PSG in their pursuit of continental glory.
