Achraf Hakimi, the captain of the Moroccan national soccer team and a key figure in their quest for glory, is gearing up for the highly anticipated final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 against Senegal in Rabat. His journey to the final has been marked by exceptional circumstances, particularly following a significant ankle injury sustained in early November while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Despite this setback, Hakimi’s symbolic role as a beacon of hope for Moroccan fans remains undiminished.
Since the tournament’s commencement, the team’s head coach, Walid Regragui, has consistently emphasized Hakimi’s importance, describing him as a critical moral pillar for the squad. Even though he has not been in peak physical condition, his leadership and experience provide essential support for his teammates. The coach has shown unwavering faith in Hakimi’s capabilities, believing that his presence boosts the morale of both players and fans alike.
Despite missing the first two matches of the tournament, Hakimi made a brief appearance at the end of the group stage and has since played a full match during the knockout rounds. His fitness has been closely monitored, and although he has faced technical critiques, the coaching staff remains supportive, trusting in his ability to contribute significantly.
In a pre-match press conference, Hakimi called upon Moroccan fans to rally behind the national team, asserting that their support is crucial in achieving victory. He expressed confidence in the “Atlas Lions” and their potential to secure a place on the podium. Regragui has hinted that the best version of Hakimi is yet to come, highlighting the tremendous effort he has made to represent his country.
As the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations final draws near, all eyes are on Hakimi to transform the hopes of his supporters into reality. The upcoming clash is not just another match but a pivotal moment where the captain aspires to shift from a figure of hope to a key player in securing a historic achievement for Morocco.