Achraf Hakimi’s Stunning Last-Minute Transfer Twist: PSG Star’s Next Destination Revealed

Paris – Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is once again at the heart of the football world’s spotlight after firing Paris Saint-Germain in front during the UEFA Champions League Final against Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The 26-year-old surged down the right flank in the 17th minute, exchanged a quick one-two with Ousmane Dembélé and drilled a low shot beyond Yann Sommer, putting PSG 1-0 up in a match that could deliver the club’s first European crown. Hakimi’s decisive strike caps a stellar May for the Casablanca-born defender. Earlier this month he was voted the Marc-Vivien Foé African Player of the Year in Ligue 1 after contributing eight goals and 14 assists across all competitions for the French champions. The award, chosen by a panel of journalists and former professionals, underscores his status as the most influential African footballer in France for the second time in three seasons. Tonight’s showdown in Munich has also pitted Hakimi against former teammate Denzel Dumfries, reviving memories of their high-octane battles at Inter Milan. Luis Enrique has trusted Hakimi to shackle Inter’s left-side threats while offering the explosive overlapping runs that have become his trademark. With Kylian Mbappé starting centrally and Bradley Barcola hugging the left touchline, PSG’s right corridor has remained Hakimi’s personal highway. Beyond the Champions League narrative, Hakimi’s form carries major implications for Morocco’s AFCON 2025 ambitions on home soil. National-team coach Walid Regragui has already pencilled the Paris star into his squad list, describing him as “the reference point for our style” during a recent interview with Moroccan media. Hakimi’s attacking thrust and defensive recovery speed have transformed the Atlas Lions into genuine title contenders after their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run. Off the pitch, Hakimi’s commercial value is also soaring. Marketing analytics firm Euromerits estimates his personal brand exposure has grown 35 percent year-on-year, driven by partnerships with sportswear giant Nike and telecom operator Inwi. Social-media impressions spiked following his celebration against Arsenal in the semi-final, where he unveiled a custom shin-pad dedicated to earthquake relief efforts in Marrakesh. Key statistics highlight why elite clubs across Europe keep Hakimi on their radar despite his long-term PSG deal. According to Opta, he ranks first among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries (7.8 per 90 minutes) and second for expected assists (0.26 xA per 90). His 38 km/h top speed, recorded in Ligue 1’s match-day 31 against Nice, makes him one of the fastest professional players worldwide. Should PSG lift the trophy in Munich, Hakimi would become only the fourth Moroccan to win the Champions League, joining compatriots Achraf Bencharki, Noureddine Naybet and Hakim Ziyech. The milestone would further cement his legacy as the most decorated Moroccan footballer of the modern era and amplify calls for him to be shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. For now, the right-back’s focus remains firmly on the 90 minutes – and potentially extra time – that stand between PSG and history. “This is the night we’ve been dreaming about since preseason,” Hakimi told reporters in Friday’s press conference. “I want to bring the cup to Paris and to Morocco.” With the game delicately poised, fans worldwide are glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting whether Hakimi’s early heroics will translate into silverware. One thing is certain: the name “Hakimi” is dominating search bars and headlines alike, reinforcing his status as football’s trend-setting right-back.