Hakimi Answers the Call: Ready or Not, AFCON 2026 Approaches with a Bang
19 November 2025
Hakimi answers the doubts ahead of AFCON
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, silences questions about his readiness to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host. The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, 2026 across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Tangier and Agadir.
The Atlas Lions begin their campaign in Group A, facing Comoros, Mali and Zambia on December 21, 26 and 29 respectively.
The 26-year-old is racing against time to be ready after suffering a serious left ankle injury in a hard tackle by Louis Diaz of Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The clash ended 2-1 in favor of the Bavarians at the Parc des Princes, with Diaz scoring and a red card shown for the foul.
Hakimi’s fight to be fit adds a layer of drama to a Morocco side that wants to shine on home soil, and fans are hoping the star’s recovery stays on schedule as the countdown to kickoff continues.
Award, training and transfer whispers
During the CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat, Hakimi was seen accepting the Best African Player award on an electric scooter, a moment that blended humor with a show of resilience. He thanked the staff, his family, the national team and his fitness team for helping him bounce back from the injury.
“This award isn’t mine alone—it belongs to every Moroccan and African kid who dreams big,” Hakimi said. He also stressed that the biggest prize would be Morocco lifting AFCON on home soil, with the date of the tournament serving as his next big date with glory.
PSG have not confirmed a set recovery timetable, but early indications point to a probable absence of 6–8 weeks. In the meantime, coach Louis Enrique has shown openness to options, discussing potential reinforcements in the January window to cover the right flank. Names linked include Eric Garcia from Barcelona for his versatiliTy and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz, while French-Ivorian talent David Poli has been mentioned as a lower-profile option ready to step in.
Enrique also emphasized a calm, thoughtful approach: “We’re open to possibilities, but there’s no need to rush or panic. Every team faces injuries. We’ll weigh pros and cons and respond with a steady hand—no sensational headlines needed.”
Transfers in view
As the winter window edges closer, Paris Saint-Germain reportedly weighs their choices to shore up the squad’s right side, with a preference for players who can operate across multiple positions. The club aims to maintain balance while staying competitive on multiple fronts.
Punchlines for the road
Punchline 1: If Hakimi’s ankle mends as fast as his footwork, Morocco might need to rent a small parade float to carry him to the trophy. Punchline 2: PSG’s transfer window is less a window and more a revolving door—every time you look, someone new is walking through.
