Former Morocco goalkeeper and current Niger national team coach, Zaki Badou, has lavished praise on Achraf Hakimi, hailing the Moroccan star as a “football phenomenon” and a source of pride for the nation.
In an interview with Kooora, Badou spoke highly of the Paris Saint-Germain full-back’s exceptional talent and relentless consistency.
“What Achraf Hakimi offers is beyond imagination and breaks all boundaries,” he said. “Imagine a player who, despite being a defender, plays over 60 matches in challenging conditions and at a high intensity—yet still manages to score and provide assists. His statistics prove we’re witnessing a rare talent.”
Badou highlighted how Hakimi has redefined the modern full-back role, saying, “He’s introduced a completely innovative model of full-back play. His contribution to over 133 goals is a testament to his extraordinary quality.”
Reflecting on Hakimi’s recent form, Badou pointed to his performances at the Paris Olympics and the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States as further proof of his brilliance.
“His talent is undeniable. For me, he’s the clear frontrunner for the African Golden Ball, and I even support the idea of him being in the conversation for the European Golden Ball—above players like Dembélé and Vitinha. He simply deserves it.”
With his continued excellence, Hakimi is not only rewriting the narrative of Moroccan football but also cementing his place among the global greats, firmly positioning himself as a contender for football’s most prestigious individual awards.
