Achraf Hakimi : More Than A Champion
From the streets of Morocco to the world’s biggest stadiums, Hakimi’s journey is one of discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. In 2025, he etched his name into football history by winning the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), emerging as one of the team’s most decisive and consistent players. That same year, he claimed the African Ballon d’Or, affirming his status as one of Africa’s greatest modern football icons.
But beyond the trophies, beyond the pace and precision on the pitch, Achraf Hakimi’s story is deeply human. It is a story anchored in family, particularly in the quiet strength and sacrifices of his mother, and guided by values of humility, gratitude, and responsibility. His bond with his loved ones grounds him, reminding the world that greatness is not built alone.
As a proud Moroccan and African, Hakimi carries more than a jersey on his back, he carries dreams. He represents a generation that dares to believe that African excellence belongs on every global stage. Whether inspiring children in Casablanca, Paris, Rabat,, Dakar and the diaspora, he stands as proof that identity is power and roots are strength.
For this special RollingStone Africa cover, we unveil not just a footballer at the height of his success, but a man who understands that legacy is defined as much by character as it is by championships.
Foundations of a Career
Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi grew up navigating multiple identities, rooted in Moroccan culture while being educated within Spain’s football system. From an early age, he was exposed to the values that continue to define him: work ethic, humility, and responsibility.
Family played a central role in his development. The sacrifices made at home, particularly by his mother, are frequently acknowledged by Hakimi as fundamental to his journey. Those early lessons shaped not only his ambition, but his perspective on success, one defined as much by personal integrity as professional achievement.
A Modern Footballer
Hakimi represents a new generation of elite players: technically versatile, tactically intelligent, and mentally disciplined. Known for his speed and attacking contribution, he has evolved into a complete footballer capable of influencing matches at the highest level.
At Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), his role extends beyond his position. Trusted in high-pressure moments, he brings balance, leadership, and consistency to a team competing on multiple fronts. The Champions League title in 2025 was a collective triumph, but it also highlighted Hakimi’s ability to perform when expectations are highest.
The African Ballon d’Or further underlined his status as one of the continent’s leading figures, not simply for his performances, but for what he represents.
Choosing Representation
One of the most defining moments of Hakimi’s career was his decision to represent Morocco at international level. Raised in Spain, he had options. His choice was deliberate, guided by personal identity and family discussions rather than external pressures.
That decision placed him at the heart of a transformative period for Moroccan and African football. Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco captured global attention, African football entered a new phase of visibility and respect. Hakimi became one of its most recognizable faces, a player capable of competing at the highest level while proudly carrying his roots.
With major tournaments ahead, including the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, Hakimi’s role has grown beyond performance. He is now a reference point for a generation watching closely.
Responsibility Beyond the Pitch
Global recognition brings visibility, and with it, responsibility. Hakimi approaches this with measured awareness rather than rhetoric. He remains grounded, cautious with words, and consistent in conduct, qualities that resonate with both fans and peers.
He has often emphasized that footballers are not just athletes, but individuals navigating public scrutiny, expectation, and personal growth. In an era dominated by image and immediacy, Hakimi’s approach stands out: focused, respectful, and authentic.
Impact and Influence
Across Africa and the diaspora, Hakimi’s journey carries significance beyond sport. He represents access, to global platforms, to excellence, and to representation without compromise.
Young players see in him proof that identity does not limit ambition. Sponsors and institutions see a figure defined by credibility, stability, and values. Teammates see a professional who leads through consistency rather than spectacle.
A Career Still Unfolding
At a stage when many players begin to reflect on legacy, Hakimi remains firmly in motion. His ambitions continue : titles to win, tournaments to play, responsibilities to uphold.
What distinguishes him is clarity: clarity about what and who he represents, what he stands for, and how he wishes to be remembered. Not simply as a fast defender or a decorated champion, but as a footballer who honored his journey with discipline and purpose.
Achraf Hakimi’s story is not just one of success; it is the story of alignment, between talent and values, ambition and identity, excellence and responsibility.
For Africa, he is pride.
For Morocco, he is a standard.
For the world, he is proof.
This is not just the story of a footballer at the height of his success.
It is the portrait of a man moving with intention, and a continent moving with him.
Exclusive Interview: Achraf Hakimi x RollingStone Africa
RSA:
Many people know Achraf Hakimi for his incredible talent on the pitch. But who are you outside of football?
Achraf Hakimi:
I think I’m just a young guy who enjoys life, enjoys his people and what he does. I’ve always been a happy person, someone who smiles a lot and tries to enjoy every moment.
I’ve always tried to transmit that joy. I stay positive, I enjoy what I do, I enjoy being with my people and my friends, and I try to pass on that positivity to the world around me.
RSA:
We know that family is very important to you, and that your mother holds a very special place in your life. Can you tell us about your relationship with her?
Achraf Hakimi:
As you said, family plays a very important role in my life. My friends too, they are people who know me very well and who have always been there, in my best moments but also in my worst ones. For me, it’s essential that they are always by my side.
That they are well, that they are healthy. And personally, my mother is the person who fought for me and my brothers so that we could have a better life, so that we could fulfill our dreams. She sacrificed so much so that I could achieve mine.
Today, I’ve been able to fulfill one of my dreams, becoming a professional footballer. I’m deeply grateful to her. All my success belongs to her, and she deserves to enjoy everything I’ve achieved and to be in a good place in life.
RSA:
Who has inspired you the most in your life?
Achraf Hakimi:
My mother has always been my biggest inspiration. From a very young age, she taught me values, hard work and sacrifice. Everything my parents did is the reason I am where I am today.
Thinking about everything they’ve done gives me strength, even in moments when you think you have no strength left. For me, that’s the most important thing and what has brought me this far.
RSA:
After the World Cup in Qatar, African and Moroccan football gained global recognition. Do you feel that responsibility when it comes to representing your roots and your culture?
Achraf Hakimi:
Yes, absolutely. After the World Cup in Qatar, it was a huge change, not only for Morocco, but for Africa as a whole. It gave hope to so many children who dream of becoming footballers one day.
Not only children in Africa, but also those born in Europe, like me, or whose parents migrated there. It showed them that they can represent their origins, their African roots.
I chose a long time ago to represent Morocco because I grew up with Arab and Muslim culture at home, even though I was raised in Spain. It was a decision made from the heart, discussed with my family. And today, I know I made the right choice.
I’m very grateful to Morocco for the love and support I constantly receive. I try to give that back both on and off the pitch. And when I travel across Africa, I feel the love from Africans everywhere. I hope that continues for a long time.
RSA:
Morocco is growing rapidly on the football stage, and AFCON is coming up. How do you see this moment?
Achraf Hakimi:
As I said, choosing Morocco was the right decision. The country is growing a lot, and we are in an important moment. I hope we continue making history, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations coming up.
Playing it at home is something special. Seeing the love in the streets, seeing children wearing my jersey, it makes me incredibly proud. The support I receive is indescribable. The only way I can repay it is through my actions, on and off the field.
RSA:
With success comes responsibility. Do you feel the pressure of being a role model?
Achraf Hakimi:
When you reach a certain level and succeed, you naturally become an example for many people around the world. That brings responsibility and pressure, but it’s a good kind of pressure.
I like feeling that responsibility because it means people care and believe in you. I try to lead by example, by being myself and staying true to who I am. I’m grateful to all the children who find inspiration in me.
RSA:
How would you like to be remembered, beyond football?
Achraf Hakimi:
I want to be remembered as someone who stayed true to himself. Someone who gave his best, enjoyed his life, enjoyed football, and lived with a clear conscience.
I want people to remember me for who I really am, and for the legacy I leave behind, not just as a footballer, but as a person.
RSA:
What does success truly mean to you?
Achraf Hakimi:
Success for me started when I made my debut as a professional footballer. But the biggest success is being able to give my family a better life, to see them at peace.
For me, the greatest achievement is knowing that my mother is calm and happy. That’s real success.
RSA:
Many people reduce football to money. What would you like people to understand?
Achraf Hakimi:
It’s true that footballers earn good money, but football is not just about money. Behind every footballer, there is a human being.
People only see us on TV, but we are humans like everyone else. We have flaws, we make mistakes, and we have good and bad moments. I think people should empathize more with the person behind the footballer.
RSA:
If you could share one life lesson, what would it be?
Achraf Hakimi:
Never give up. Never let anyone tell you that you are not capable of achieving something.
With hard work and sacrifice, you increase your chances of achieving your dreams. This is the message I want to send, especially to young people: don’t listen to negativity. I was told many times that I wouldn’t make it, that I wouldn’t succeed in football, and today, I’m living my dreams.
So believe in yourself and chase your dreams.
RSA:
Where do you see your future?
Achraf Hakimi:
With my family, winning AFCON, enjoying the most important moments of life. Above all, I wish for good health and to have my family by my side for as long as possible, sharing life with the people I love.
RSA:
Finally, Africa is shining across many fields, sports, music, fashion. What does that represent to you?
Achraf Hakimi:
It fills me with pride to see so many Africans succeeding, footballers, musicians, designers, creatives across the world. Africa is no longer the same Africa it was years ago.
We are growing. The world is watching us and recognizing that Africans are capable of achieving great things. Today, we are respected more, and we are finally receiving the respect we deserve.
Project Team
RollingStone Africa
Editor in Chief: @Gwen Madiba
Graphic designer : @Onionoakley
Project Manager: @karlnzamba
ORUN
@orun_africa @oloohconcept
Crew:
@hardlight.ma
Special thank you to the Fairmont Rabat – @FairmontLaMarinaRabatSale and @RitaBenAhmed
