Hakimi: PSG’s Hidden Gem Keeps the Checkbook in Check, Says Enrique

Hakimi: PSG’s Right-Back Worth More Than a Big Transfer

Spanish coach Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain’s manager, praised Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan right-back, calling him an indispensable pillar for the team.

PSG are preparing to face Brest on Saturday in Ligue 1, after a resounding 7-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League midweek in Germany.

When asked about Hakimi’s chances for the Ballon d’Or (Africa) this year, Enrique replied that he would like to see the other nominees, but in his view Hakimi is the best right-back in the world, which partly explains why PSG isn’t hunting for another player in that position.

Enrique noted Hakimi plays essentially every game; when he is unavailable they look for solutions from the academy or reposition a different player, and they won’t blow big money on a right-back who would only feature a few times in his absence.

He added that Hakimi’s status hasn’t wavered in the past two years; he is a leader in the locker room, chosen by teammates as a second captain, and his defensive and attacking talents make a real impact, with high energy and enthusiasm in every match.

Regarding discrepancies between Ligue 1 and Champions League results, Enrique said analyses are often driven by results, but the squad remains the same in both competitions despite injuries. He stressed the team’s identity and mentality have not changed.

Enrique emphasized that PSG should not use early-season conditions as excuses; the goal is to maintain the same approach in domestic and European games, regardless of the competition or opponent.

He underscored that the priority is winning matches, not merely reclaiming the league lead, with upcoming league tests against Brest and Lorient, followed by Nantes, all of which will be hard but essential at this stage of the season.

PSG results so far in the 2025-2026 season

PSG have recorded five wins and one defeat to their arch-rivals Marseille in the French derby, a clash that occurred around the Ballon d’Or ceremony after a 24-hour postponement due to bad weather, followed by two consecutive draws after eight league rounds.

The Paris club beat Nantes and Angers 1-0 in the opening two rounds, then defeated Toulouse 6-3, Lens 2-0, and Auxerre 2-0.

Just before the international break, they drew 1-1 away to Lille and 3-3 with Strasbourg at the Parc des Princes, dropping from the top of the Ligue 1 table after eight rounds.

In Europe, PSG began the season by lifting the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham on penalties after a 2-2 draw, then collected three straight Champions League wins over Atalanta, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Ligue 1 table after eight rounds

Marseille lead the standings with 18 points following a 6-2 demolition of Le Havre. PSG sit second with 17 points; Strasbourg are third on 16; Lyon fourth on 15; Monaco on 14; Lens are a point behind as they prepare to face PSG in the next round. The challenge remains steep, but the title race is far from over.

Ultimately, Enrique’s message is clear: Hakimi’s influence extends beyond statistics—his leadership and consistency help PSG stay true to their identity, both at home and in Europe.

In the words of a master observer of football careers, sometimes the best deal isn’t a new signing, but recognizing the value of what you already have. And in this case, Hakimi appears to be priceless for PSG.

Punchlines to end on a light note

Punchline 1: If Hakimi ever signs a contract with a bank, even their interest rates would applaud his efficiency.

Punchline 2: Enrique didn’t need to check the market; he found a treasure in Hakimi—and the only thing PSG paid extra for was a good mood in the locker room. The rest, as they say, was history—without the drama you’d expect from a football budget meeting.