Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has been named among the best defenders of the 21st century following the release of a special ranking by French television channel Canal+.
The list, unveiled on Sunday, features 15 of the most influential defenders of the modern era and is topped by Spanish icon Sergio Ramos. He is followed by Italian legend Paolo Maldini and Brazilian great Roberto Carlos, with several other renowned names completing the elite selection.
Hakimi appears in 15th position on the ranking, joining an illustrious group that includes some of football’s most celebrated defensive figures of the last two decades. His inclusion reflects the remarkable status the Moroccan full-back has attained at both European and global levels.
The recognition comes on the back of Hakimi’s continued success at club and international level. The 27-year-old recently won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain during the 2024/2025 season and previously played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to a fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Hakimi’s presence on Canal+’s list highlights his consistency, influence, and impact in modern football, further cementing his place among the game’s elite defenders of the 21st century.
