Hakimi’s AFCON & CAF Award Hopes Hang on a Thread After Horror Tackle
– Morocco’s star player, Achraf Hakimi’s Injury threatens AFCON Dream pending the doctor’s report
Morocco’s Star player Achraf Hakimi, has suffered a severe injury that places his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in grave doubt—a cruel twist of fate that overshadows what was otherwise the greatest year of his career.
AFCON Dream in Jeopardy after Luis Díaz Horror Tackle
Just weeks before the AFCON tournament kicks off in December, Hakimi was the victim of a shocking tackle during a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Bayern’s Luis Díaz delivered a reckless, lunging challenge that made contact with Hakimi’s left ankle.
The incident, which occurred on Hakimi’s 27th birthday, forced the right-back to leave the field in tears, visibly unable to bear weight on his foot. The severity was underlined by the referee’s decision, upgraded via VAR, to issue a straight red card to Díaz.
While PSG has yet to release an official medical diagnosis, the immediate consensus is one of profound concern. The risk of a severe ankle injury is high, potentially ruling Hakimi out of the AFCON, an event Morocco is set to host and for which Hakimi previously stated was the Atlas Lions’ “top priority.”
The prospect of their talisman missing the tournament is a catastrophic blow to the nation’s title aspirations.
CAF Frontrunner Status Earned by Historic Achievements
The injury strikes precisely at the peak of Hakimi’s career, an elite year that has made him a leading contender for the CAF Player of the Year award.
His sensational club form was recognized globally with a historic 6th place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, the highest-ever ranking for a Moroccan player. This individual honor followed a year of unprecedented collective success, as Hakimi played an instrumental role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic quadruple triumph, securing the Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions.
Across all club competitions in the 2024/2025 season, the explosive full-back delivered a staggering 27 goal contributions, comprising 11 goals and 16 assists.
All attention is now focused on the medical room. Morocco’s hope of winning the AFCON, and Hakimi’s dream of claiming Africa’s most prestigious individual prize, hinge entirely on the news of his recovery.
