Achraf Hakimi’s combination of attacking threat, pace, tactical awareness and experience at the highest level makes him a strong contender for the title of the world’s best right-back. The Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender has developed far beyond the traditional role of protecting his flank, becoming a major influence in possession and in the final third.

A decisive attacking outlet

Hakimi can turn a routine move into a clear chance through his acceleration, runs behind the defence and quality of delivery. He is comfortable staying wide, but can also move inside, link with midfielders and arrive in the opposition penalty area.

His numbers underline that contribution. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, he scored four goals and provided six assists in 25 appearances. He has also registered six assists in the 2025/26 Champions League.

On 20 October 2026, he again showed his ability to decide a match when his cross created the winning moment for Fabian Ruiz in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over FC Barcelona. Hakimi is not simply supporting attacks; he is often one of their main driving forces.

Pace that changes the way PSG play

Speed remains one of his most important assets. Hakimi can cover considerable ground in seconds, whether he is joining an attack or racing back into his defensive position. His physical strength allows him to repeat those efforts and maintain a high tempo throughout demanding matches.

That range gives Paris Saint-Germain greater tactical freedom. The team can defend higher up the pitch, create more combinations and exploit the spaces opened by its forwards. Hakimi provides width, but his movement in behind also forces defenders to track him constantly.

His influence is particularly valuable in major European fixtures, where gaining only a few metres can be enough to unsettle a defensive line.

Tactical intelligence and collective balance

Hakimi’s game is not based solely on athletic ability. He understands when to advance, when to combine with a winger and when to hold his position to reduce the risk of a counter-attack.

Under Luis Enrique, he is expected to contribute to the circulation of the ball, find positions between the lines and help create numerical advantages. That attacking freedom also requires discipline. When he moves forward, his team-mates must cover the space behind him, making the balance of the side essential.

Despite that challenge, his movement and ability to adapt to different phases of play make him one of the most complete players in his position.

Honours and recognition

With Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi has been part of a particularly successful period, including titles in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His influence also extends to Morocco, where he is one of the senior figures in a team established among international football’s most competitive nations.

In November 2025, the Confederation Africaine de Football named him African Player of the Year after an outstanding 2025 season. The award is especially notable for a defender and reflects his impact across Africa and on the international stage.

Rivals such as Jules Kounde and Denzel Dumfries ensure competition for the position remains strong, but few right-backs combine so many qualities with such influence.

Hakimi remains under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 30 June 2029. His annual salary is 14,550,000 euros, equivalent to 9,457,500,000 FCFA, while Transfermarkt estimates his current value at 80m euros.

In the upcoming eighth-round Ligue 1 fixture, Olympique Lyonnais will face Paris Saint-Germain. The listed odds are 5.60 for an Olympique Lyonnais win, 4.90 for a draw and 1.39 for a Paris Saint-Germain victory.