Before rising to global stardom at Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi made a defining career move that shaped his trajectory at the highest level.
Before rising to global stardom at Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi made a defining career move that shaped his trajectory at the highest level.
In the summer of 2020, Real Madrid were forced to generate funds during the height of COVID, and Hakimi became one of the key departures. After an impressive loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, the Moroccan international recognized he would struggle for minutes behind Dani Carvajal at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Seeking a larger role, Hakimi opted to move on. That decision quickly paid off as he flourished with Inter Milan, playing a crucial role in their Serie A title-winning campaign and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic wing-backs in Europe.
Hakimi’s rise continued after his move to PSG, where he developed into one of the game’s elite players. Alongside teammates including Kylian Mbappé—who later secured a dream transfer to Real Madrid—Hakimi became a central figure in the Paris project.
His progression reached another level in the 2024/25 season, when PSG secured the Champions League title in dominant fashion. By this stage, Hakimi had firmly established himself as arguably the best right-back in world football, combining consistency, leadership, and attacking quality.
For years, many Real Madrid supporters hoped Hakimi would return as a long-term successor to Carvajal. However, despite Madrid investing heavily in Trent Alexander-Arnold, doubts among fans kept those hopes alive.
Any lingering speculation now appears to be over. After PSG’s 3-1 Ligue 1 victory over Toulouse FC, Hakimi marked his 200th appearance by expressing his desire to remain in Paris. Speaking via Fabrizio Romano, he made it clear he wants to continue playing many more matches for the club.
As Hakimi grows further into a leadership role at PSG, transfer rumors have faded. While his connection to Real Madrid remains part of his story, his future is firmly tied to Paris—something that may disappoint Madrid fans but also reflects the success of a player they helped develop.
