‘Thanks to PSG!’ – Achraf Hakimi set for sensational injury return with Morocco at AFCON as Walid Regragui hails ‘gentleman’ Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Walid Regragui thanks PSG and Nasser Al-Khelaifi as Achraf Hakimi closes in on AFCON return with Morocco

Achraf Hakimi’s long wait looks to be almost over. After nearly two months on the sidelines, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is on the brink of a sensational return at the Africa Cup of Nations, and head coach Walid Regragui has made it clear who deserves the credit.

In a rare public show of gratitude towards a European superclub, Regragui has openly thanked Paris Saint-Germain and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, describing him as a “gentleman” for allowing Hakimi to link up with the national team early to accelerate his recovery. With Morocco hosting AFCON and dreaming of continental glory on home soil, Hakimi’s potential return could prove pivotal.

If all goes to plan, the PSG right-back is expected to feature in Morocco’s final group match against Zambia on Monday, a game that could seal top spot in Group A and send a powerful message to the rest of the tournament.

Hakimi set to return in time for Morocco’s final AFCON group game

Hakimi has not played a competitive match since November 4, when he suffered an ankle sprain during PSG’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in Paris. The injury ruled him out of seven matches for the French champions and four international fixtures for Morocco, raising doubts over his availability for AFCON.

When Regragui initially named Hakimi in his tournament squad, it raised eyebrows. Many assumed it was an optimistic gesture rather than a realistic expectation. Yet behind the scenes, a careful plan was being put together, involving close cooperation between Morocco’s medical staff and PSG’s performance team.

So far, Hakimi has watched from the sidelines as the Atlas Lions have made a steady start. A 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening match was followed by a 1-1 draw with Mali, leaving Morocco on four points after two games. The results have been solid, if not spectacular, but the absence of their captain has been keenly felt.

Morocco now know that victory over Zambia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will guarantee progression to the knockout stages as group winners. Having Hakimi back in the squad – and potentially on the pitch – could be the decisive boost.

Regragui credits PSG for Hakimi’s recovery

Speaking ahead of the Zambia match, Regragui did not hold back in praising PSG’s role in Hakimi’s comeback.

“Let me say thanks to Paris Saint-Germain,” the Morocco coach said. “If Hakimi is back today, it’s thanks to them.”

He went even further, singling out PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi for special praise.

“There’s not even one single club in the world that was going to let us have Hakimi 15 days before the AFCON,” Regragui added. “Nasser Al-Khelaifi is a gentleman.”

In an era where club-versus-country tensions often dominate headlines, Regragui’s comments stood out. PSG, despite their own packed schedule and mounting pressure in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League, chose cooperation over confrontation.

A rare show of club-country harmony

PSG’s willingness to release Hakimi early is all the more notable given the club’s recent challenges. The European champions have dropped points in the Champions League and have found themselves chasing Lens in the Ligue 1 title race, a situation that would normally encourage clubs to protect their assets at all costs.

Yet in Hakimi’s case, PSG appear to have prioritised long-term player welfare and goodwill. Rather than rushing him back for domestic fixtures, they allowed him to continue his rehabilitation in a national-team environment where the focus was solely on recovery.

For Regragui, that gesture mattered.

Hakimi is not just another player in the Morocco squad. He is the captain, the leader, and arguably the symbol of this golden generation.

Hakimi’s importance to Morocco goes far beyond tactics

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To understand why Hakimi’s return is so significant, you only need to look back to Qatar 2022. Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals, the first ever achieved by an African nation, was built around collective discipline, belief, and moments of individual brilliance.

Hakimi was at the heart of it all.

Whether it was his relentless energy down the right flank, his calmness under pressure, or his leadership off the pitch, Hakimi embodied everything Regragui wanted his team to represent. Even the image of him celebrating with his mother after victories became a defining symbol of that tournament.

Since then, Hakimi’s career has reached new heights. He captained PSG to Champions League glory in the 2024/25 season, finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or, and was crowned African Player of the Year in 2025. Few African footballers arrive at AFCON with a résumé as strong.

Regragui always confident Hakimi would play at AFCON

Hakimi Dreams of Leading Morocco to Historical World Cup Victory

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hakimi’s fitness, Regragui remained publicly optimistic. Speaking to Brut Afrique ahead of the tournament, he hinted that the captain’s return was only a matter of time.

“We’re very positive about Achraf’s participation,” he said. “In any case… which match and when? He’ll definitely play in the AFCON with us, that’s for sure.”

Those words now appear prophetic. While Regragui kept specific timelines private, the plan has always been to reintroduce Hakimi carefully, ensuring he is fully ready for the knockout stages rather than rushing him back prematurely.

Morocco dreaming big on home soil

As hosts, Morocco carry both expectation and opportunity. The Atlas Lions have not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 1976, a drought that looms large in a country that has produced some of the continent’s finest talent in recent decades.

This tournament feels different.

The infrastructure is ready, the crowd is passionate, and the squad is packed with players performing at the highest level in Europe. Should Morocco finish as Group A winners, they will face one of the third-placed teams from Group C, D, or E in the round of 16 – potentially a favourable draw.

From there, momentum can be everything.

The knockout phase begins on January 3, with the final scheduled for January 18 in Rabat. The dream scenario is obvious: lifting the trophy at home, in front of their own supporters, with Hakimi leading the celebrations.

Hakimi’s return could change the tournament

Even at less than 100 per cent, Hakimi changes how Morocco play. His ability to stretch the pitch, create overloads, and recover defensively gives Regragui tactical options few African sides can match.

Just as importantly, his presence lifts the group emotionally. Younger players look to him. Experienced teammates trust him. Opponents plan specifically for him.

If Hakimi does return against Zambia, it may only be for limited minutes. But those minutes could be invaluable – rhythm, confidence, and belief restored at exactly the right moment.

‘Thanks to PSG’ – and a captain ready to lead again

As Regragui himself admitted, PSG deserve significant credit if Hakimi plays a key role in Morocco’s AFCON journey. In a sport often dominated by disputes and power struggles, this story stands out as one of cooperation and mutual respect.

For Morocco, the timing could not be better. Their captain is back. Their ambitions are clear. And their supporters are ready.

Now, all eyes turn to Monday night in Rabat, where Achraf Hakimi, after weeks of waiting, could finally step back onto the pitch – and take Morocco one step closer to the AFCON glory they have been chasing for nearly half a century.