Achraf Hakimi has hailed Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique for playing a pivotal role in his evolution as both a footballer and a person during the 2024–25 season.
Known for his blistering pace since his early days, Hakimi has added new dimensions to his game under the Spanish coach’s leadership. At 26, the Moroccan full-back has emerged as a cornerstone of PSG’s squad, with his maturity and tactical versatility drawing widespread praise throughout the campaign.
In an interview with Canal+, Hakimi expressed his deep appreciation for Enrique’s influence, attributing much of his development to the coach’s unique approach to man-management and tactical instruction.
“What makes him special is how close he is to the players. He takes the time to understand us—not just as footballers, but as people,” Hakimi said.
That personal connection, however, is only part of the story. On the pitch, Luis Enrique has radically reshaped Hakimi’s role. Once confined strictly to the right flank, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan player has flourished with greater freedom, operating in more central areas and adapting to various tactical setups.
“Before, I used to stay wide, just on the wing,” he explained. “Now I’m allowed to move inside, to take up different positions. He’s given me a freedom that has changed everything.”
Hakimi’s statistics reflect that transformation. Over the course of the season, he netted 11 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions—a career-best tally for the defender. But beyond the numbers, it is his all-around influence on matches that has stood out: cutting inside, linking up in midfield, and even appearing in advanced attacking positions when the system allows.
Luis Enrique’s tactics have allowed Hakimi to showcase a more complete version of his game. The Moroccan international, often known primarily for his speed and overlapping runs, now contributes in build-up play, dictates tempo at times, and has become a constant threat in more unpredictable areas of the pitch.
With this new-found versatility and confidence, Hakimi is beginning to set his sights higher than ever before. Asked whether he now dreams of individual accolades, he did not shy away.
“With this new role and the trust the coach gives me, I can dream big. Yes, the Ballon d’Or—it’s in my mind now,” he admitted.
While such aspirations may still be distant, the impact of Luis Enrique’s influence on Hakimi’s game is undeniable. The manager, known for his tactical innovation and emphasis on player relationships, appears to have unlocked a new level in one of PSG’s key figures.
As Paris Saint-Germain continue to build under Enrique’s guidance, Hakimi’s form and leadership on the pitch signal that he could be central to their ambitions, both domestically and in Europe.
One thing is certain: Achraf Hakimi is no longer just a flying full-back—he is now a complete footballer, and much of that transformation, he insists, is owed to the man on the touchline.
