Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, brothers and rivals again | OneFootball

Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, brothers in all but blood, face each other again on Thursday in Boston as France play Morocco.

Their connection sparked in October 2021 when storms grounded PSG’s flight to Rennes, forcing a road trip. They stopped in Trappes and posted a photo while sitting on a Carrefour floor. L’Équipe reported that Mbappé later stood up for Hakimi in training during frictions with members of the South American group.

Sergio Ramos, who knew Hakimi from Real Madrid, also looked out for him. The pair visited Seville, where Ramos is said to have stepped into the ring at a tentadero.

The friendship deepened with Mbappé trips to Madrid, staying at the full-back’s home. Hakimi learned ahead of others that Mbappé would remain in Paris for one more year, a detail that annoyed some at the club and in the dressing room.

Before Qatar 2022, they traded playful messages about a possible meeting, Mbappé saying he hoped to face Morocco and would destroy his friend, Hakimi replying he would kill him. They duly met at Al Bayt Stadium in Jor, where France eliminated Morocco with goals from Theo Hernández and Kolo Muani, then swapped shirts.

Now they cross paths again at 21:00 on Thursday in Boston, with Morocco aiming to avenge that semi-final exit.

They remain in daily contact and will captain their sides. Mbappé has called Hakimi one of the world’s best and, above all, a friend. Hakimi often visits Madrid, where his son lives with his ex-wife.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo