The Atlas Lions captain refuses to let his Champions League knock take him out of international duty.
Achraf Hakimi has proven once again why he's the heartbeat of Morocco's national team, earning his place in the Atlas Lions' World Cup squad despite carrying an injury from PSG's Champions League campaign. The dynamic fullback picked up the knock during the high-intensity semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, but his inclusion signals Morocco's unwavering confidence in their talismanic leader.
The 25-year-old has been nothing short of sensational for both club and country, establishing himself as one of the world's premier attacking defenders. His blistering pace and pinpoint delivery have become essential weapons in Morocco's tactical arsenal, making him virtually irreplaceable when the Atlas Lions take the field on football's biggest stages.
Morocco's coaching staff clearly believes Hakimi's experience and leadership qualities outweigh any fitness concerns. The former Real Madrid academy graduate has consistently stepped up in crucial moments for his country, and his presence alone could prove decisive as the Atlas Lions aim to build on their recent international success.
This selection underscores the growing influence of African stars competing at the highest levels of European football. Hakimi's journey from Madrid's youth ranks to becoming PSG's defensive cornerstone reflects the continent's rising prominence in global football, inspiring the next generation of African talents to dream big.