Rabat – With a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Paraguay on Tuesday night at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium, international footballer Achraf Hakimi etched his name deeper in Moroccan football history.
The African champion now boasts 64 wins with the national team, becoming Morocco’s most victorious player, surpassing even legendary defender Noureddine Naybet (63 wins).
At just 27, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back has also climbed to second place among Morocco’s most capped players, with 95 international appearances. He moved ahead of the late Ahmed Faras (94 caps) and now stands just 20 matches away from Naybet’s all-time record of 115.
The cornerstone of the national team
Hakimi’s influence on the pitch continues to define his legacy. During the March international break, he emerged as Morocco’s most decisive player, directly involved in all three goals scored by the Atlas Lions.
Against Ecuador, he set up Neil El Aynaoui’s 88th-minute equalizer. Days later, against Paraguay, he once again proved decisive, providing two assists, first for Bilal El Khannouss (48th minute), and then again for El Aynaoui (53rd minute).
Hakimi’s history with Morocco
Since his debut, Hakimi has been a cornerstone of Morocco’s national team.
Renowned for his speed and attacking prowess as a right-back, he quickly established himself as a key player and leader within the squad, representing Morocco in major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup.
His international career reached a historic milestone during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he helped Morocco become the first African and Arab country to reach the semi-finals.
His standout performances also earned him the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year, recognizing him as the continent’s best.