Achraf Hakimi, the 26-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, opened up in an interview with Clique on Canal+. He discussed the rape accusation against him, for which he faces a trial, as well as the Champions League title they won, his family, coach Luis Enrique, club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the season schedule, and the Ballon d’Or.
Hakimi: “When you enjoy the moment, things go better.”
Do you realize the emotion you brought to everyone when you opened the scoring in the Champions League final and then won the match?
It was a very special moment, not only for me but also for the entire city of Paris. It’s a great city. It was a moment I had been waiting for since I signed with the club. We didn’t achieve it in previous years, and thanks to God, we finally did this year. I couldn’t fully enjoy it after the final because I had matches with the national team. But I saw videos, and I received so many messages from everyone. I was lucky enough to be there for the bus ride through Paris. It was a privilege, an opportunity, a special feeling to see everyone in Paris, that support. It was the long-awaited reward.
What were you thinking when the goals kept coming?
It was a calm moment for us; we had a lot of confidence. It was our moment. We worked all year to get to this point. We enjoyed the moment, and when you enjoy the moment, things go better. We scored the goals and got closer and closer to the title.
Hakimi: “We are the champions, it’s an incredible moment, a moment of liberation.”
Holding the trophy?
It’s not just this moment, but at the final whistle, it’s complete liberation after so many years striving for this goal. We are the champions, it’s an incredible moment, a moment of liberation.
Your mother came onto the pitch?
Yes, having my loved ones there after the final, those people who have helped me so much, it was a real joy to see them share in this moment. My children probably didn’t fully understand it, but they will later.
Are your earliest memories related to football?
We come from a modest family; my parents went to Spain for a better quality of life and to further their education. My brother and I are only a year apart, we had the same friends, and we were always looking for a place to play. We always had a ball. Even inside the house, I wanted to play.
Hakimi: “It’s the greatest gift.”
You never lacked anything?
No, my parents did everything for me. They didn’t know the language, they had to work hard, they gave everything. When you see their sacrifices, you want to give everything to make them proud. I can only thank them.
Your father’s greatest gift to you?
For me, the greatest gift was being able to go to training every day. It was far away, 30 minutes, they had to buy things, take me to tournaments. It was also important to have a hug from them after the matches. They made sure I was in the best possible conditions; that’s the greatest gift.
Hakimi: “I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest, I didn’t know when the next opportunity would come.”
A call from Zidane during your time in the youth academy?
I had already done pre-season training with the first team. Carvajal had a heart problem, it was a difficult time. Zidane called me, he asked me where I was. I was at home. He told me to rest, because I was called up to play the next day. I was 18, it was a great joy for me to be able to play. It was a source of pride, I called my parents. It was a dream coming true.
Are you able to sleep at a time like that?
Yes, we try, even if it’s difficult (laughs). You have to be well-rested to show your skills. It went well, I had a good game.
What was the first thing you thought of? The victory or your progress?
Above all, all the sacrifices made to get there. I arrived at the Bernabeu, I heard my name, it was a source of pride. I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest, I didn’t know when the next opportunity would come.
Hakimi: “He spoke to me like a father to his son.”
You went from being a big fan to a player?
Yes, I was really a football fan. I lived in Getafe and there was this team. After school, I would go to watch them train. I would ask for autographs. Going from asking for photos to playing with the players is incredible.
What did Zidane bring to you?
Confidence, above all. I was in the youth academy and he promoted me to the first team. I am grateful to him. Not every coach does that. I will always be grateful. I learned a lot from him, especially regarding his relationship with his players. He spoke to me like a father to his son. I knew he wanted the best for me. I learned a lot, like how to shoot, cross the ball, and how to position myself. It was a real learning experience.
Is a coach crucial to a club’s success? Like Luis Enrique at PSG?
Ultimately, it’s the players on the pitch who decide. But when a coach has a clear vision and communicates it effectively, it’s easier. When you work on these things, you know them well on the pitch. You are prepared. It’s like an exam. You know what to do. A coach helps lead the team to victory.
Hakimi: “He’s like a friend”
When did your relationship with Luis Enrique begin? What’s the balance between camaraderie and professionalism?
I didn’t know him when he arrived. The first year was about learning. He’s very serious on the pitch, but he knows how to be close to the players and joke around. There’s a time for everything. The second year, our relationship became stronger, we talked more.
He wanted me to take on more responsibility in the team. We have a very open relationship. We talk about everything, we joke around. He’s like a friend, we can talk about anything. But at work, we’re professional. I thank him for his trust and everything he’s taught me.
Hakimi: “The most important thing is the team. That’s what made us champions.”
Is it good for a player to hear the coach say: the team comes before individuals? Does that take some pressure off the players?
It takes some pressure off the players; it’s shared by the whole group. Every player is important, has a responsibility. The collective comes first. He’s done an incredible job in that regard. He puts the team before any individual player. If someone is out, the replacement will be at the level required for the team. He’s done great work with his staff. The club has done great work. The most important thing is the team. That’s what made us champions.
How is the team dealing with the injuries to Doué and Dembélé?
They are important absences. Two players who contribute a lot. But, there are other players who are at the required level and will do their best to ensure their absence isn’t noticed. We are European Champions, all the players want to show that they can contribute.
Hakimi: “If it’s about winning titles, rest is of little importance to me.”
Do we need to ease up on the crazy match schedule?
Yes. Even though we’re happy to play so many matches, because it means we’re in the final. If we have to do it again, I’ll do it. I’m willing to have even less vacation time for the sake of success. We’ve had very little recovery time, especially with the international matches. We need rest, but if it’s for the sake of winning titles, rest is of little importance to me.
Do you think you’ll win the title again this season?
We’re going to work hard for it. We’re going to try, we’re ready.
Sergio Ramos and Cafu said you’re the best player in the world?
It’s a source of pride that such players, like Sergio Ramos, who for me was the best defender of the 21st century, or Cafu, a legend, consider me the best. It motivates me to keep going.
Hakimi: “It gives me a great responsibility. I’m happy to represent my parents.”
Why did you choose the Spanish national team over Morocco?
Morocco is the country of my parents; I grew up with that culture. Spain wanted to call me up to their youth team, and out of respect, I went to see them. But I talked it over with my family and asked myself where I felt most comfortable, and that was with Morocco. My decision was the right one. It was best for my family and for me. We wanted to represent Morocco. But I thank Spain for their trust.
Is there a special feeling in wearing the jersey of your parents’ country?
When I wear the jersey, I get goosebumps. You know how we are; Moroccans are crazy about football. They follow the sport and the national team. It gives me a great sense of responsibility. I am happy to represent my parents.
One word to describe the World Cup in Qatar?
History.
The 3rd place at the Olympics?
The first medal in football for Morocco. It was an important moment, a source of pride to represent my country at the Olympics, especially in Paris, where I live and which I represent. We were able to make history with Morocco; it will be remembered.
Hakimi: “It was a moment of great pride to have our mothers there.”
You were received by the King of Morocco after the World Cup, and all the mothers were there—an incredible moment.
Yes, it was historic for us. It was a moment of great pride to have our mothers there. They were at the World Cup, they came to celebrate a victory on the field (smile). It was historic. It was a moment of great pride. The King was very kind, he made it possible for our mothers to come. We will never forget it, nor will they. It’s a great source of pride.
What was it like to introduce your mother, who was a housekeeper, to the King of Morocco?
I think it’s something unique. For us, the King is the most important person. It’s a real source of pride. Knowing where she came from makes it even more special. Sometimes we talk about it, and she gets goosebumps. Seeing the King up close is special.
How do you feel about the AFCON?
Good, we’re playing at home, with great stadiums, our fans, our families. It’s a historic moment, we haven’t hosted the AFCON in a long time. We have to enjoy it, with the responsibilities and pressure. We have to handle it the right way. There are good teams, but so is ours. We haven’t won the AFCON in a long time, but now is the time.
How do you deal with being constantly in the media or on social media? How do you protect yourself?
I try not to read too much, even about positive things. Sometimes good articles are nice, and bad ones can hurt, but I try not to read too much and to stay in my own bubble. My family supports me, and I like to listen to their opinions. They know me, they want what’s best for me. They give me their advice, that’s the most important thing.
Hakimi: “It hurts, especially for my family.”
What’s the most false thing that’s been written about you?
The case about the alleged rape. For me, it’s the worst thing that has ever happened to me. No one has ever caused me such harm. It has been difficult for me, and it continues to be. Because when they write lie after lie, it hurts, especially for my family. Especially for my children.
My children are young, they don’t know about the internet and they can’t read yet, but one day they will read these things. And for me, seeing these lies written about their father is not pleasant. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Hakimi: “Thanks to the police’s work, we’ve made good progress.”
On August 1, 2025, a trial was requested in this case. How did you take that news?
My lawyer told me about it, as did the people who work with me. But we knew that it could happen. We have a clear conscience. I know that what I was accused of is a lie. I know who I am. I know that I didn’t do anything and that I would never do such a thing.
I have always been available to the police, and I even asked to speak with them to give my version of events, to explain everything that happened. And whenever they need me… they also have my DNA.
I have always been available, unlike the person who accused me, who didn’t make things easy for those who needed it. Thanks to the police’s work, we have made good progress. Today, I have peace of mind. I am in good hands with my lawyer. She is doing her job, and we hope that the truth will come out soon.
Hakimi: “This will help us in the legal proceedings, so that the truth comes to light.”
A series of messages from the complainant, sent to a friend, has been published in the press. What can you say about that?
I wasn’t even aware of these messages. My lawyer told me about them. The police and the justice system have done an incredible job. They found these messages, and when I read them, it was a huge shock for me. But at the same time, it didn’t surprise me that much.
Because as a football player, I know that I’m exposed to this kind of thing. Reading those messages was difficult for me. But I believe that the police and the justice system are doing a good job. This will help us in the legal proceedings, so that the truth comes to light.
Does this happen often in the football world?
We are exposed to a lot of things. For example, girls approach us. There’s blackmail; in the football world, many people want to take advantage of us. And if you don’t have the right people around you, this kind of thing can happen. I’ve changed a lot of things and people in my life. Now my inner circle is so small that I don’t let anyone new in.
Hakimi: “It’s a deep wound.”
What are the consequences when, even though you’re innocent in the eyes of the law, some people still consider you guilty?
The press talks about things they don’t know about. Professionally, it affects me quite a bit, especially regarding my sponsors. But they have also tarnished my dignity, my image, my name—the name for which my family has sacrificed so much.
Because I know the truth, and what I’m accused of is false. To be falsely accused, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. It’s a deep wound, for my family and my children. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone; it’s very difficult.
Did Kylian Mbappé send you a message of support? Did you do the same for him when he was going through a difficult time?
Yes, since I arrived in Paris, he spoke a little Spanish, and he helped me. Our friendship started right from the beginning. We supported each other when it was needed. We are friends beyond football. There’s no problem, we talk when necessary. We will continue like this.
Hakimi: “If I had to do it again, I’d sign up.”
How were your holidays? Did they really recharge your batteries?
This year, they were short because of the Club World Cup. We had about two weeks. I tried to disconnect during the first week; I traveled, I saw my friends. The second week, I was more relaxed, with my family and my fitness trainer. The first match was coming up quickly, so I prepared myself. If I had to do it again, I’d sign up.
How does faith play a role in football?
Since I was little, my parents instilled the Muslim culture in me. I take the time to pray every day. It’s a spiritual moment, a special time. I’ve always adhered to that. My parents raised me that way, and it helps me to be close to God.
Do you feel that your global fame as a Muslim benefits the community?
Yes, I feel a great responsibility. I don’t know if I’m the most important Muslim or Arab figure; there’s Salah, too. We use our influence to promote and teach people about a culture that is often misunderstood. People are misinformed. We take this responsibility seriously. We have to be careful.
Hakimi: “It’s truly a joy to have him, to be able to talk with him.”
What did you talk about with President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi after the Champions League? What do you like about his character as a leader of the club?
It was a huge emotional moment. Especially for him, who has worked so hard for many years to build this PSG team. It was a real relief for him. I was very happy for him, and he was very happy for us. We talked about my season, about continuing to build great things, to achieve great things together. He’s a great president. He really changed what PSG represents. He’s a president with whom you can truly have a real conversation. It’s truly a joy to have him, to be able to talk with him.
Your dream XI, all-time players?
I’ll mostly choose former players:
Bono
Hakimi – Ramos – Maldini – Marcelo
Zidane – Modrić – Ronaldinho
Messi – Ronaldo – Cristiano Ronaldo
Mbappé?
He’s on the bench, he’ll come on later (laughs). When he wins the Ballon d’Or.
Hakimi: “I especially hope that a PSG player will win it; we had an incredible season.”
Is the Ballon d’Or important to you?
No, the most important thing is winning titles as a team. I would be happy to win it individually, but I prefer to win as part of a team.
If you win it, what will you say? (Interview conducted before the ceremony)
It would be a dream for me and for any player. We talk about it, honestly. It’s very difficult to win. If it happens, I would dedicate it to my mother. It would be a great joy. If I don’t win it, I would still be happy. I especially hope that a PSG player wins it; we had an incredible season.
What are you most proud of?
Being able to provide peace of mind for my family.
What are you least proud of?
Having my name unfairly tarnished.
