Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain’s 26-year-old versatile full-back, spoke to Foot Mercato after signing a partnership with Under Amour. A new face for the brand, he talked about his season, his progress with Luis Enrique and the collective quality of PSG 2024/2025.
Hakimi “I think I’m in a good moment, a special moment in my life”
“In sporting terms, we’ve rarely seen an Achraf Hakimi as strong as this season. Is this the best version you’ve seen since the start of your career?
I don’t know if it’s the best. I think I’m in a good moment, a special moment in my life too. So I’m happy, but I hope to improve a lot more and give my all to do a lot better than this. I’ve got potential that I still need to work on, and I’m going to work on that. And when I do, we’ll see an even better version of me.
Hakimi “That’s why we’re seeing a different Hakimi”
What aspect of the game has Luis Enrique really helped you to improve ?
I think he’s enabled me to see soccer in different ways. To see soccer in different positions thanks to his systems. From time to time, I play inside. I also do different movements that I didn’t know how to do before, or that I didn’t feel capable of doing. He taught me that. That’s why we’re seeing a different Hakimi.
What are the differences between this PSG and last year’s ?
There aren’t really that many differences. We have the same coach and the same mentality. Since he’s been here, he’s said that the team isn’t just one player. I think it’s a continuation of last season, with more time together and more time working together too.
Hakimi “Collectively, it’s one of the best teams I’ve played with, yes”
You’ve played for Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Dortmund. Is PSG the best team you’ve ever played for ?
(laughs) I don’t know if it’s the best, but it’s one of the best. I’ve been in great dressing rooms with great players. In every team, we’ve done great things and won titles. It’s not easy to say which team is the best. But collectively, this is one of the best teams I’ve ever played with, yes. And that’s possible. I’ve been with great champions, I’ve learned every time and I’ve given my best to make the team proud of me.”
It’s not just Hakimi who has progressed, it’s a whole team, a whole club. PSG has changed profoundly under Luis Enrique. Players are injured less (if at all), his team is no longer afraid and no longer loses, even “small” Ligue 1 matches. Hakmi has become the leader of this PSG. Powerful, tireless, precious in his versatility, he is everything Luis Enrique appreciates. He has a place of choice in the team, and his energy has earned him international recognition.
Today, PSG no longer fights in the same category as other clubs in France. Instead of talking about hegemony, we should be talking about an exceptional season, something that rarely happens, even to the different versions of PSG under QSI. Hakimi has had a hand in Paris’ success, even if today it’s more difficult to talk about individual players, as it’s the collective that shines. Now we need to validate the great season with records and titles. While the title of French Champion is all but assured, we’ll have to go and win the French Cup and the Champions League.
