Achraf Hakimi: Career Path, World Cup Moment, and Contemporary Controversy

Achraf Hakimi sits at the center of ongoing discussions. On the same day he was named in the year’s top eleven at The Best premiere, reports emerged that the Moroccan star is under rape investigation, according to Le Parisien. The alleged events were said to have taken place at his home this past weekend after he invited a young woman while her husband and children were in Dubai. Hakimi’s entourage denies the allegations, stating that he remains calm and secure as the investigation unfolds.

Relating to

• Football player Achraf Hakimi under investigation for rape, according to Le Parisien

What was the path of Achraf Hakimi?

Born in 1998 in Getafe, Madrid, Hakimi grew up in Madrid, acquiring dual nationality (Spanish-Moroccan). He rose from a modest upbringing and a family facing economic challenges. His football talent helped lift his family out of hardship.

Hakimi joined Real Madrid’s youth system in 2006 and climbed through the ranks to Real Madrid Castilla. He was promoted to the first team in 2017 and made his league debut against Espanyol.

After one season, Hakimi went on loan to Borussia Dortmund for two seasons, where he emerged as a world-class talent in Germany. He secured a starting place, participated in European competitions, and helped the club win the German Super Cup, defeating Bayern Munich in the final.

When Real Madrid’s loan arrangement ended, the club accepted Beşiktaş’s offer, and subsequently Inter Milan acquired Hakimi for a total of 40 million euros. The Moroccan star joined the Italian side in 2020, the season in which Inter Milan claimed the Serie A title.

Just a year after his arrival in Milan, Hakimi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth 68 million euros. The contract with PSG was signed in 2021 and runs through 2026.

The Moroccan player established himself as a global star and a key contributor at PSG. Hakimi has received recognition for his performances, including being named Best Moroccan Player of the year in 2021 and 2022, in addition to his presence at The Best gala.

Star of the Moroccan team

Though he could have represented Spain because of his dual citizenship, Hakimi chose to debut for the Moroccan national team in 2016. He explained that his familiar environment and Arab heritage felt more aligned with his identity, and he felt at home with Morocco.

The greatest moment for Hakimi came at the Qatar World Cup 2022. He helped Morocco make history by guiding the team through the tournament, scoring the decisive penalty against Spain in the Round of 16. The squad advanced to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by France (2-0). Morocco finished fourth, marking the nation’s best World Cup finish and a landmark achievement for an African team.

Hakimi remains a highly visible figure in world football. On the day he was celebrated as part of The Best top eleven, reports surfaced about an ongoing rape investigation, as reported by Le Parisien. The alleged incident was claimed to have occurred at his home over the weekend, involving a young woman while her husband and children were in Dubai. His representatives have denied the allegations, and officials have stated that Hakimi is cooperating with investigators.

Relating to

• Football player Achraf Hakimi under investigation for rape, according to Le Parisien

What was the path of Achraf Hakimi?

Hakimi was born in 1998 in Getafe, Madrid. He grew up in Madrid during childhood, acquiring dual nationality (Spanish-Moroccan). He grew up in a modest setting with financial struggles. Thanks to his football talent, he managed to lift his family out of poverty.

He joined Real Madrid’s youth ranks in 2006 and progressed until reaching the first team. The Moroccan player was promoted to Real Madrid Castilla and later ascended to the A team in 2017, making his league debut against Espanyol.

After one season, Hakimi went on a two-season loan to Borussia Dortmund, where he blossomed into a world-class player in Germany and earned a starting spot. During his time at Dortmund, he featured in Champions League qualifying matches and helped the club win the German Super Cup, triumphing over Bayern Munich in the final.

When Real Madrid ended the loan, the club accepted Beşiktaş’s offer and Inter Milan’s bid of 40 million euros. The Moroccan talent joined Inter in 2020, the season they clinched the Serie A title.

Shortly after arriving in Milan, a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was agreed for 68 million euros. He signed with PSG in 2021, with the contract running through 2026.

The Moroccan player established himself as a global star and a vital member of PSG. Hakimi has been recognized for his contributions at PSG, including awards such as Best Moroccan Player of the year in 2021 and 2022, along with his inclusion at the The Best gala.

Star of the Moroccan team

Even with a Moroccan family background and dual citizenship, Hakimi could have pursued Spain, but he chose to represent Morocco. He explained that his upbringing and his home culture guided his decision. He debuted with the Moroccan national team in 2016, stating that he did not feel at home with the Spanish setup at the time.

The most memorable moment for Hakimi came at the Qatar World Cup 2022. He helped lead Morocco to historic success, scoring the final penalty to eliminate Spain in the Round of 16, guiding the team to the semi-finals where they faced France. Morocco finished in fourth place, a historic achievement shared by the continent and a milestone for African football.