On 6 July 2021, Paris Saint-Germain officially announced the signing of one of the world’s greatest talents in Achraf Hakimi. Arriving from Inter Milan, the defender, then 22 years old, was determined to prove himself and reach the highest levels in the City of Light. Four years later, it was against the Milan side that he fulfilled the dream he shared with an entire people: to bring Paris its first Champions League title.
During this historic campaign, the Moroccan international showed remarkable composure to deliver for his team in crucial moments. Directly involved on nine occasions (4 goals, 5 assists) and a scorer in the final, Achraf Hakimi etched his name into the competition’s history, equaling Ian Harte’s record as the most decisive defender in a single Champions League season.
Beyond this star-studded run, Europe’s premier competition has long been one of his favourite stages. Thriving under pressure, he is already closing in on the podium of the most decisive defenders in the competition’s history. With 27 goal involvements so far, only Roberto Carlos (38), Dani Alves (37), and Marcelo (31) are ahead of him.
Involved in 66 goals in all competitions since his arrival in the summer of 2021 (28 goals, 38 assists), the former Inter Milan player has reached a whole new level at the club from the capital, becoming over that period one of the most decisive defenders in Europe’s top five leagues.
Christophe Jallet, a former Paris player from 2009 to 2014 and a French international, spoke about Achraf’s development in red and blue, from the perspective of someone who played in the same position: “My impression today is even better than when he signed for PSG. For me, he was the signing the club was missing when he arrived. Full-back is such a demanding position that you can always find something to criticise. When he came from Inter, I already thought he was outstanding, whether in Serie A or the Champions League, and he was the best possible choice for Paris. Over the years, he has confirmed that, and I think he has grown tremendously.”
It’s not only in Europe that our wing-back shines - quite the opposite. Since arriving in Ligue 1, Achraf Hakimi has established himself as the benchmark in the league in his position. Beyond his defensive contribution, it is also his attacking involvement that impresses. Always well-positioned, he poses a real threat to opposing defences, who struggle to stop him from providing for his teammates. Proof of this is that, with 40 goal involvements for Paris in fewer than five seasons (19 goals, 21 assists), the Moroccan international already ranks fifth among the most decisive defenders since Opta began its analyses in 2006.
“For me, there aren’t many players at his level in his position. He is the most complete right-back in this modern system.”
This 200th match, played on Friday against Toulouse, marks another milestone for the player who has become the 14th member of the club from the capital to reach this landmark since 2011. Over this period, he has already established himself as Paris Saint-Germain’s most decisive defender, ahead of Marquinhos, with whom he has shared 155 of these 200 matches so far, more than with any other teammate. The captain and his deputy often lead the way in crucial moments, and it is no coincidence that the club from the capital has been shining under their influence for several seasons.
