African Ballon d'Or – Hakimi moved: his thanks to PSG and Morocco

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·20 de noviembre de 2025

African Ballon d'Or – Hakimi moved: his thanks to PSG and Morocco

Upon receiving the trophy for Best African Player, Achraf Hakimi (27 years old), defender for Paris Saint-Germain, delivered a profound and deeply personal speech. The PSG star thanked everyone involved in his journey, from the Parisian club to the Moroccan national team.

🔴🔵🤩 « C'est vraiment un honneur pour moi d'être ici. Ce trophée n'est pas seulement pour moi mais tous les enfants marocains qui rêvent aussi un jour d'être footballeur. Je remercie aussi tous ceux qui m'ont aidé dans mon parcours. » « Je voudrais remercier aussi mon
– miércoles, 19 de noviembre de 2025

Hakimi: “I also thank everyone who has helped me along my journey.”

“It’s truly an honor for me to be here. This trophy is not just for me but for all Moroccan children who also dream one day of becoming footballers. I also thank everyone who has helped me along my journey.” “I would also like to thank my president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi for his trust from the very first day, I thank all my PSG teammates, Luis Enrique, who have helped me become a better player and a better person.” “I also thank the president of the Moroccan Federation. We will give everything to try to win the AFCON at home.” “I also thank my coach Walid (Regragui), he knows I am not an easy player to coach, all my national team teammates, who have all helped me become who I am.” “I also thank my family, my mother, everyone who stands by my side including all the staff. It hasn’t been easy to get here.” Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi’s speech especially highlighted what truly shapes his sporting identity: his support network and his dual Paris–Morocco roots. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back didn’t just salute his president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi or Luis Enrique. He reminded everyone how much these figures have helped him grow both as a person and as an athlete.

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On the Moroccan side, the presence of Walid Regragui in his thanks shows how fundamental their sometimes demanding relationship is to his rise. Hakimi also slipped in a phrase full of meaning: “to win the AFCON at home”. This ambition drives the entire national team, and his speech almost lays the groundwork for a national mission.

His recent injury and the concerns about his participation have been widely discussed, proof that he is no longer just a “simple” player—he is a key element of his team. Through family, coaches, and teammates, Hakimi painted the portrait of a player aware of his status but clear-eyed about the path he has traveled.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.