Walid Regragui, the Moroccan national team coach, held a press conference this Sunday on the eve of the match against Zambia in the third round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He was notably asked to comment on the possible return of Achraf Hakimi. The coach was particularly clear regarding the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain right-back.
“Achraf Hakimi will play tomorrow, that’s a certainty. We’ll decide whether he starts or not. His presence is very important for us. He’s our Ballon d’Or winner, and we need him.”
It seemed fairly certain, and now it’s official: Hakimi will return to competition this Monday. A big moment for the player, who has been sidelined since early November with a nasty tackle from Luis Diaz during the Champions League match against Bayern Munich.
He has worked very hard to come back, and now it’s time to reach the final stage. This comes with a match for the national team, in an Africa Cup of Nations on home soil where his country has high hopes. We trust Hakimi not to be overwhelmed by the pressure. It remains to be seen what his playing time will be and exactly what his form will be.
