Mustapha Hadji puts Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou clear of Morocco’s football legends

Mustapha Hadji has named Achraf Hakimi as the greatest player in Morocco’s football history, with Yassine Bounou second and the rest of the country’s leading stars some distance behind them.

The former Morocco international said his assessment was based on his personal view, despite the many players who have made a significant impact in the national team’s history.

“​Yes, Hakimi is the best player in the history of Moroccan football by a wide margin over any other player. He is very far ahead of the others,” Hadji said in a filmed interview with Kooora, which will be published later.

He added: “Hakimi is a role model for young Moroccans on the pitch. I see him at the top of the list, with Yassine Bounou second, and then the rest come a long way behind them.”

Hadji, who is regarded as one of Morocco’s most celebrated former players, was also asked where he would place himself among the country’s football greats.

Laughing, he replied: “No, I am far from that.”

Hakimi has made 103 appearances for Morocco in all competitions, making him the second-most capped player in the history of the national team.

Only Noureddine Naybet, with 115 appearances, has played for Morocco more often. Bounou is third on the list with 99 international caps.

Hakimi’s achievements also extend beyond international football. He won the 2025 African Footballer of the Year award and is competing strongly for the same honour in 2026.

The defender has also collected major European honours with the clubs he has represented, including three UEFA Champions League titles.

Morocco are listed in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying schedule for a match against Niger on 13 November 2026.

Hadji’s comments come as Hakimi continues to occupy a central position in discussions about Morocco’s greatest footballers, with his international appearances, individual recognition and success at club level forming the basis of the former winger’s assessment.