Latest news with #AtlasLion
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Man of the Match: International Media Mesmerized by Hakimi's Performance at Club World Cup
Rabat – Morocco's international football player Achraf Hakimi is thriving with Paris Saint-Germain at the FIFA Club World Cup. Beyond recognition from the club, international media are celebrating the Atlas Lion for his contributions to PSG. PSG won its game against Seattle Sounders 2-0 on Monday, and Hakimi contributed to the win with a stunning goal in the 66th minute of the match. L'Equipe said that Hakimi has earned recognition in recent years, recalling that the Atlas Lion was named Man of the Match following yesterday's game. 'A few meters away, Moroccan fans proudly waved the national jersey in salute to the captain of the Atlas Lions,' L'Equipe said . Sports website Vavel also commended Hakimi, noting that he is the 'man who made a critical contribution on the scoresheet.' 'Achraf Hakimi has felt he has gone to a greater level in the last season,' the report said, noting that the Atlas Lion is setting his sights on further glory beyond the four trophies in his cabinet. This season, Hakimi played several games in Ligue 1, with 25 matches and four goals. In the UEFA Champions League, Hakimi appeared 17 times and scored four goals, and at the Coupe de France, he appeared five times and scored one goal. Hakimi led PSG to their first Champions League title in May. The same month, he was named the best African player in France's Ligue 1 for the 2024-2025 season.
Morocco World
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Badou Zaki Defends Hakimi's Ballon d'Or Case: ‘He Stands Above the Rest'
Rabat – As football's most prestigious individual award draws closer, the names of usual suspects begin to fill headlines — attacking giants, prolific scorers, flashy midfield maestros. But away from the spotlight reserved for goal tallies and commercial hype, a quieter yet compelling case unfolds. It is the story of Achraf Hakimi, Morocco's Atlas Lion and Paris Saint-Germain's tireless right-back, whose season demands more than polite applause. This story calls for serious Ballon d'Or consideration. To some, suggesting a defender, especially a right-back, for the Ballon d'Or might seem far-fetched. Yet, when stripped of biases and marketing noise, the award's criteria are clear: individual brilliance, collective achievement, and visible influence on the field. Hakimi checks every box. Former Moroccan goalkeeper Badou Zaki, a legend in his own right, sees no exaggeration in calling for Hakimi's inclusion. 'The Ballon d'Or must go to the player who outshines the rest,' Zaki said. 'We talk about team trophies, personal contributions, and the values a player brings to the game. Hakimi belongs in that conversation.' This season, PSG finally broke its Champions League curse. Hakimi played a central role in that success, not as a supporting figure but as one of the team's anchors. He lifted four trophies with the French club, including the elusive Champions League title, a feat many consider the ultimate test of greatness. But team silverware is only part of the picture. On an individual level, Hakimi offered performances that no fullback has matched in years. He scored four goals and provided five assists in the Champions League alone. These numbers would impress even an attacking midfielder. From his position at the back, they astonish. Hakimi also redefined what it means to play as a right-back. He darted up and down the flank, switched roles fluidly, and often dictated the rhythm of matches. It's no longer enough to say he's one of the best in his position. He now stands as a full-fledged footballer. Still, his name rarely surfaces in Ballon d'Or predictions. Instead, the conversation sometimes shifts to rising stars like Lamine Yamal. 'Frankly, I'm surprised,' Zaki said, 'when someone like Lamine Yamal is mentioned as a contender, even though he hasn't done half of what Hakimi achieved, and I say this with great respect for Yamal's talent and potential. But if we're being fair with the criteria, I don't see how he ranks above Hakimi.' 'To me, the real competition should be between Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi. And there's an important detail, Dembélé is in the conversation because he scored eight goals in the Champions League, which is his job as a forward. Meanwhile, Hakimi scored four as a defender, whose primary role is not to find the net,' Zaki added. Recognition for African players has always been limited. Only one African, George Weah, has ever lifted the Ballon d'Or. That was nearly 30 years ago. If the football world takes its own rules seriously, Hakimi has done more than enough to change that. He didn't just have a good season; he led, delivered, and transformed expectations. Tags: Achraf HakimiAtlas LionsBadou ZakiHakimiMorocco football
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Canizares Sees Achraf Hakimi Among Top Ballon d'Or Contenders
Former Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares ruled out Osmane Dembele as a top contender for the Ballon d'Or, instead naming Achraf Hakimi as one of the leading candidates. Highlighting Hakimi's stunning performances during the season, the former goalkeeper stressed that the Atlas Lion had an impressive season with PSG. He also tipped Vitinha as one of the contenders who should enter the race for the Ballon d'Or. 'Achraf had an impressive season. Vitinha is PSG's leader in terms of play. In my opinion, the race should be between Vitinha and Achraf,' Tribuna quoted the former Valencia goalkeeper as saying. Hakimi made headlines recently after scoring the opening goal during PSG's 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Following the game, leading French sports outlet L'Equipe hailed Hakimi as the first player to score for a French club in a European final in over three decades. The win saw PSG win its first-ever Champions League trophy. Hakimi has been named as part of the UEFA Champions League Team of the season after his contribution to PSG's historic run to win the European title. The Moroccan full-back is one of seven PSG players named in the squad , alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué. In May, he was also named the best right-back in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Meanwhile, a hashtag recently surfaced on X and other social media of many commenters emphasizing that Hakimi should win the Ballon d'Or. '⚽ Goal in Champions League quarter-final ⚽ Goal in Champions League semi-final ⚽ Goal in Champions League final ⚽ Goal in Coupe de France final 🏆 Ligue 1 🏆 Champions League 🏆 Coupe de France 🏆 Trophée des Champions 🏅 Marc-Vivien Foé Award 🏅 UNFP Team of the Season 🏅 2× Man of the Match in Champions League,' one commenter wrote on X. Tags: Achraf HakimiAchraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe
Morocco World
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Champions League: Achraf Hakimi Makes International Headlines for Stunning, Masterful Performance
Rabat – Morocco's international Achraf Hakimi lifted PSG's first Champions League trophy on Saturday night after his club achieved a historic 5-0 victory against Inter Milan. The Atlas Lion opened the scoring for PSG, contributing to the club's historic win. Just 12 minutes into the game, Hakimi scored a goal that many international outlets described as 'amazing.' 'Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring in the 12th minute of the 2025 UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan,' beIN Sports reported on the Atlas Lion. For beIN Sports, the Atlas Lion made a 'masterful play,' showcasing all his class and power. Many other news outlets have celebrated Hakimi's prowess, including Motorcycle Sports, which remarked that the Atlas Lion has dominated the game. FootBoom also celebrated the Atlas Lion, noting that Hakimi has cemented his status as a living legend for PSG. 'Hakimi also made history individually by becoming the first Moroccan to win the Champions League while playing in the final,' the sports-focused news outlet added . L'Equipe also celebrated Hakimi, saying that the Atlas Lion became the first goal scorer for a French club in the European Cup final since 1996. 'Twenty-nine years after the Bordeaux midfielder, Achraf Hakimi, became the first player to score for a French club in a European finals, thanks to his early goal against Inter Milan this Saturday evening,' L'Équipe wrote. The French sports website stressed that Hakimi has now 'erased Daniel Dutuel from the record books,' describing the Atlas Lion's achievement as 'eternal.' Hakimi shared his joy and pride over yesterday's victory with many fans, including in Morocco. He celebrated the victory as he wrapped himself in a Moroccan flag. On his Instagram, he said the victory is for 'history.' Tags: Achraf HakimiAchraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Champions League: International Media Impressed by Hakimi's Show with PSG
Rabat – Moroccan Atlas Lion Achraf Hakimi contributed to PSG's big win on Wednesday, leaving not only fans but also the media impressed by his stellar performances. The Atlas Lion scored the winner for PSG against Arsenal in a thrilling second-leg semi-final of the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal yesterday. Hakimi saved Luis Enrique's lineup after a missed penalty by Vitinha. Following the match, many international media outlets commended the Atlas Lion for his performances, with some describing him as the 'second most-used player this season.' EuroSport highlighted his performance with PSG, noting that the Atlas Lion continues to rack up accolades 'in what is shaping up to be the most complete season of his career.' The news outlet emphasized how Hakimi has been 'unshakable' and unstoppable in the midfield, and most importantly, how he can also take on the front as a forward. 'He has become the ultimate player, the crown jewel of Luis Enrique's philosophy,' Eurosport wrote. Hakimi made headlines on other international media outlets like The Guardian, which emphasized Hakimi's critical role in securing a spot for his team for the Champions League final. RFI also put Hakimi's name on headlines, noting that he is on target as PSG 'muzzle Arsenal' to reach the competition's final. Hakimi's stellar performances have landed his name as a candidate for several awards. running for several awards. He is the frontrunner to win the 2024-2025 Marc-Vivien Foe award, recognizing the best African player. The Atlas Lion is also nominated for the Best Player of the Season award in France's Ligue 1 for 2024-2025 In April, Hakimi expressed satisfaction with PSG, noting that the biggest change now is 'that we've created a team, and all the players are running for each other.' 'The coach tells us we are 11 attackers and defenders at the same time,' he told CBS Sports, noting that the players train every day. Tags: Achraf HakimiAchraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe
