MUST READ: 10 Surprising Facts About Achraf Hakimi No One Told You!

Achraf Hakimi is a Moroccan professional footballer who currently plays as a right-back or right-winger for Paris Saint-Germain and the Morocco national team.

He is known for his speed, versatility, and attacking prowess. Here are ten surprising facts about Achraf Hakimi that you may not know.

1. Early Life and Career

Achraf Hakimi was born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain. His parents were both Moroccan immigrants, and he grew up in the Moratalaz district of Madrid. Hakimi began playing football at the age of six, and he joined the youth academy of Real Madrid when he was eight years old.

2. First Professional Game

Hakimi made his professional debut for Real Madrid in October 2017, in a Copa del Rey match against Fuenlabrada. He was just 19 years old at the time, and he played the full 90 minutes at right-back.

3. Record-Breaking Loan Spell

Hakimi joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from Real Madrid in July 2018, and he made an instant impact in the Bundesliga. He became the first Moroccan player to score a hat-trick in the league, and he also broke the record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in Bundesliga history (just 17 seconds after coming on against Hoffenheim).

4. Versatility

Hakimi is known for his versatility on the pitch. He can play as a right-back, a left-back, or a right-winger, and he is comfortable both defensively and going forward. This versatility has made him a valuable asset for both his club and country.

5. African Footballer of the Year Nominee

In 2019, Hakimi was nominated for the African Footballer of the Year award, along with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Riyad Mahrez. Although he didn’t win the award, it was a testament to his impressive performances at Borussia Dortmund.

6. World Cup Debut

Hakimi made his World Cup debut for Morocco in 2018, at the age of just 19. He started all three group-stage matches and provided an assist in the team’s 2-2 draw with Spain.

7. PSG’s Record Signing

In July 2021, Hakimi signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan for a fee of around €60 million. This made him PSG’s most expensive signing at the time, and he has since become an important player for the French giants.

8. Charity Work

Hakimi is known for his charitable work off the pitch. In 2020, he donated €300,000 to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco, and he has also supported various other charitable causes throughout his career.

9. Speed Demon

Hakimi is one of the fastest players in world football. According to data from the 2020/21 season, he was the second-fastest player in Serie A, with a top speed of 36.4 km/h.

10. Family Ties

Hakimi comes from a footballing family. His father was a footballer in Morocco, and his older brother, Nabil, also plays professional football in Spain. Nabil currently plays for CD Numancia in the Segunda División B.

In conclusion, Achraf Hakimi is a talented and versatile footballer who has made a name for himself at some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

His impressive performances on the pitch and his charitable work off it have made him a role model for aspiring young footballers. With his speed, skill, and determination, there’s no doubt that he will continue to be a key player for both PSG and Morocco for years to come.