Achraf Hakimi suffers an injury during a very high level football match between PSG and Bayern Munich in the Parc des Princes stadium. This encounter was as if it were taken from a high-level FIFA video game. Fast-paced, intense, precise and tense, both teams offered a great show in terms of technique and movement.
However, the tone of the evening suddenly changed when Achraf Hakimi suffered an injury.
High-speed first 45 minutes
It didn’t take long for the action to begin. At the 4-minute mark, Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Bayern, reacting quickly to a ball that was cleared into the penalty area. Just over 30 minutes later, in the 32nd minute, he scored again. A beautiful run down the left wing, he found himself free in front of goal and finished well after a rapid counter-attack. 2-0 Bayern.
In the second half, PSG came to life. In the 74th minute, Joao Neves scored for PSG, sliding in a low cross from Barcola. PSG controlled the final 15 minutes of the match, pushing forward and pressing their opponents. However, they could not find the equalizing goal. Final Score 2-1 to Bayern.
The Tackle
Just before halftime, the challenge arrived. Luis Diaz tackled Achraf Hakimi with force. The challenge was late, aggressive and dangerous. VAR check. Red Card.
However, by then Hakimi was lying on the grass holding his ankle and limping off with assistance. The crowd fell silent. And in that moment, the headlines changed from goals, strategy and tactics to injury.
Hakimi: The Ironman Of Europe
This injury did not happen randomly. It occurred to the player with the most minutes of play in Europe in the previous season. Hakimi has given little rest. He plays for PSG, Morocco, in Ligue 1, Champions League and international competitions. The player does not just play as a right-back. He is a machine, a leader and a symbol.
That is what makes this injury so difficult. Because this injury does not just impact Paris. It jeopardizes his chances of participating in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for Morocco.
Hakimi leaves the pitch supported — Morocco holds its breath before AFCON
Will Hakimi Play For Morocco During AFCON?
Morocco will host the 2024 African Cup of Nations. Hakimi was looking forward to this event. As he would be playing at home, in front of his people, wearing the red and green colors. The atmosphere, the expectations — this was Hakimi’s tournament.
However, now, it is uncertain whether Hakimi will even participate in the event.
On Instagram, Hakimi wrote calmly:
“Falls are part of the road. The comeback defines the journey.”
While Morocco’s coach stated strongly:
“Hakimi will be with us at AFCON. On the pitch or not on the pitch. He’ll be there.”
— Global Sports Archive
Football Is Wonderful… But Also Ruthless
The match had all of the elements: goals, speed, tension and elite football. It reminded us why we love the sport. However, it also reminded us of another aspect of football: the fragility of the sport. One challenge can change everything.
For PSG, the defeat was sports-related. For Morocco, it was emotional. If Hakimi does not attend the tournament, it is not simply that he will miss the event, it will be that a national hero will not have the opportunity to represent his country at home.
However, if there is one player capable of bouncing back faster, stronger and more focused than Achraf Hakimi, it is him.
🖋️ Written by Lyna Ziani – for Beyond the Pitch
⚽ Football stories that hit deeper than just the scoreline.