Mbappé: Hakimi and I Planned Vacation During World Cup Semifinal Clash

T.E (Elbotola)

02 April 2026at20:34

Real Madrid player Kylian Mbappé has revealed details of his conversations with former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Achraf Hakimi during the France vs. Morocco semifinal match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking alongside Hakimi on "The Bridge" program, hosted by French player Aurélien Tchouaméni, Mbappé shared: "I think we talked for an hour and a half. We were planning our vacation because we were going to travel together, and he was asking me if my family had come to the stadium. I replied: 'Yes, all of them are there (in the stands)."

He continued: "It was a bit difficult because we were constantly talking, but we felt something between us. Until we saw each other in the tunnel and started laughing."

Mbappé added: "He (Hakimi) sent me a message saying: 'You can't talk to me much today... Besides, it's a semifinal, not a group stage match.'"

He concluded his remarks by addressing Hakimi directly: "I told him, 'I know you, but I can't pretend otherwise. However, this won't stop me, for example, from doing my best to win and doing everything to defeat you.'"

Q&A

What did Mbappé and Hakimi discuss during the World Cup semifinal?

Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi discussed their upcoming vacation plans and family presence during the France vs. Morocco World Cup semifinal. They shared a unique moment, even laughing in the tunnel before the high-stakes match.

How did Mbappé describe his interaction with Hakimi before the match?

Mbappé described the interaction as difficult due to the constant talking, yet acknowledged a strong connection. He stated that despite their friendship, he was fully committed to doing his best to win and defeat his former teammate.

What was Hakimi's message to Mbappé before the semifinal?

Hakimi sent Mbappé a message reminding him that it was a semifinal, not a group stage match, implying they shouldn't talk much. Mbappé, however, affirmed his competitive spirit, stating he couldn't pretend otherwise.