Hakimi's Targeted Return: Morocco's AFCON Moment Sparks a Bold Comeback
29 December 2025
Hakimi's comeback after a two-month layoff
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain's right-back, returned to the pitch for the first time in nearly two months.
Hakimi suffered a severe right ankle injury during the high-stakes Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on November 4.
The Moroccan star was involved in a brutal collision with Bayern's Colombian forward Luis Díaz, who saw a straight red after scoring Bayern's two goals in that 2-1 win at Parc des Princes, under the French capital night lights.
Hakimi missed around ten PSG matches, and Morocco's first two games at the Africa Cup of Nations, which is being hosted right in the country.
AFCON campaign and award cap
The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Comoros and followed with a 1-1 draw against Mali, showing resilience.
After 64 minutes of their third group game against Zambia, Morocco coach Walid Regragui decided to bring Hakimi on for Nassir Mazraoui, a move that cheered fans and teammates alike.
Even as he was sidelined, Hakimi collected Africa's Best Player award at a Marrakech ceremony.
He is eager to return to full fitness and is expected to feature for PSG in upcoming fixtures.
Punchline: If comebacks were a weapon, Hakimi would be a sniper—quiet, precise, and always aimed at the goal.
Punchline 2: Hakimi's comeback was so on point, even the physiotherapist asked for the encore.
