Hakimi makes a strong statement about his role at PSG

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·23 Mei 2026

Hakimi makes a strong statement about his role at PSG

In a statement to Onze Mondial, Achraf Hakimi, 27, Paris Saint-Germain’s right-back, reflected on how his position has evolved. The Morocco international rejects the label of revolutionary, but fully embraces a modern, hybrid and demanding role, balancing inside influence, work down the flank and attacking responsibilities.

Hakimi: “I’m ready to do all of that”

“I’m not thinking about revolutionizing or changing a position. Above all, I’m thinking about playing my football and giving pleasure to those who love the game. But it’s true that if you compare the full-back position from ten years ago to today, it’s no longer the same role. In modern football, full-backs are asked to take on different responsibilities: sometimes moving inside, sometimes covering the entire flank. As for me, I’m ready to do all of that and I feel very comfortable in this role. My qualities allow me to perform in this position.

Hakimi: “I learned a lot from him.”

I’m happy when people say I may have helped this position evolve. But I also don’t forget players like Dani Alves, who produced incredible seasons and matches in this role. For me, he is an example: he showed how a full-back should play, and I learned a lot from him. I hope the new generation looks at me the same way and that I can be an example for them.”

Achraf Hakimi is not trying to place himself above the position, but the way he embodies it still says a lot about modern football. At Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan is no longer just a full-back tasked with defending his flank and delivering crosses. He has to read spaces, sometimes come inside, sometimes stretch the opposition, all while maintaining high defensive intensity.

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That is precisely what makes him exceptional: he is not defined by a single function, but by his ability to string together several roles in the same match. By mentioning Dani Alves, Hakimi also places his evolution within a sense of continuity. He does not claim to have invented the position, but he accepts that today he is one of its most complete representatives.

This statement perfectly matches the image of Luis Enrique’s PSG: fewer fixed positions, more shared responsibilities, and players capable of thinking as much as running. In that framework, Hakimi is not just an athletic weapon. He has become a major tactical reference point.

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