
Brazilian Newspaper: Hakimi a "Lethal Weapon" Driving Morocco's World Cup Ambitions
Brazilian media has lauded Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, considering him one of the most prominent offensive and defensive assets the Moroccan national team will rely on in the upcoming World Cup finals. In a report titled "World Cup Stars: Achraf Hakimi, Morocco's Star," Brazilian website "Jogada10" described the Moroccan right-back as a "multi-faceted, highly efficient, skillful, and decisive" player, emphasizing that he, alongside goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, forms a fundamental pillar within the "Atlas Lions" squad.
The same source reviewed the historic achievement of the Moroccan national team at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached fourth place. It noted that the current generation enters the upcoming edition with the ambition of replicating this success and writing a new chapter in football history, especially within a strong group that includes Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
The report also highlighted that Hakimi is preparing for his third World Cup appearance, following his debut in 2018 and his exceptional participation in the 2022 edition, which saw Morocco reach the semi-finals. He provided a crucial assist during the seven matches he played in that historic tournament.
The website noted that the Paris Saint-Germain star has accumulated extensive experience at the highest levels of European football during his previous stints with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan, making him one of the most tactically and physically mature players.
The report added that Hakimi, aged 27, was included in the 2022 World Cup's Ideal XI and was crowned African Player of the Year for 2025. He also boasts an impressive record of titles, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, in addition to league titles in Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, as well as winning the Africa Cup of Nations and a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.
It is worth noting that the Moroccan national team is in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.