A Hat Tip to Hakimi: Gordon Calls Him Exceptional Ahead of PSG-United Clash
28 January 2026
Match Preview
Gordon tips his cap to a Moroccan star. Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon has praised the standout form of Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, the right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, saying he is the best opponent he has faced in his career.
Newcastle visit Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes for the final group match of the UEFA Champions League.
Context and Standings
"I have spoken about this before, and I think he is the best for me; he is the best player I have faced. Since I said that, he has continued to develop and become better, and he was a key element in the team that won the Champions League," Gordon said of Hakimi.
"He has produced a large number of goals and assists from right-back; he is exceptional in every respect. This kind of challenge brings out the best in me, so I'm looking forward to the clash. And I think you know me well by now: I always back myself against any opponent," he added.
In the standings, PSG sit sixth in the group with 13 points, while Newcastle United are seventh with the same total.
According to the competition format, the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while teams finishing ninth to 24th contend for playoff ties on a home-and-away basis, with eight additional clubs earning a place in the round of 16.
Punchline: If Hakimi's crossing were a compass, Gordon might still get a bit lost—yet in a good way.
Punchline: Scorelines aside, the real fashion statement today is Hakimi's ability to glide past defenders with a smile.
