Champions League: PSG, World Celebrate Hakimi as Record Breaker

Rabat – Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and fans across the world are celebrating Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who became the African player with the most decorated career in history.

PSG celebrated the Moroccan international footballer, expressing its respect for Hakimi for being the first Arab in history to win the UEFA Champions League three times.

Reports also stressed how Hakimi achieved a strong record.

With 19 trophies, Hakimi is the most decorated African player in football history, moving ahead of African legends, including Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré.

Ahead of the game, ESPN emphasized that Hakimi walked into the final against Arsenal carrying more than the possibility of another European medal.

“One more title would take him level with Samuel Eto’o on three UEFA Champions League crowns, a number that, in the context of African football, carries unusual weight,” ESPN wrote.

ESPN also recalled Hakimi’s eventful journey, stressing how he broke new ground on the continent when he was named CAF’s POTY in 2025, becoming the first fullback to do so.

“For Hakimi to get the recognition he’s gotten, as a fullback, he’s had to be something special — influencing games like an attacker from a deeper position, making his mark on the biggest contests, and racking up the individual recognition to underpin his collective achievements,” the report said.

The Atlas Lion’s job is not finished with the Champions League, as a new, bigger mission is ahead with the national team of Morocco.

Mohamed Ouahbi called Hakimi up as part of his 26-man squad, with fans enthusiastic about the tournament.

A lot of expectations are placed on Morocco since its historic run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with any teams facing the Atlas Lions gearing up as warriors with the aim of beating the tournament’s semi-finalists.

Now, it is not only the only Arab and African team to reach the World Cup semifinal, but also Africa’s champion after the Atlas Lions won the AFCON.

Coach Ouahbi emphasized that he is not revealing his plan for the World Cup, but he is determined that Morocco has a large pool of talent that he will use to make history again.

Morocco is in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

Morocco’s opening game is against Brazil on June 13.