When Achraf Hakimi collapsed on the lawn of the Parc des Princes, writhing in pain after a violent tackle from Luis Diaz, silence gripped the stadium and crossed the Mediterranean. The image of the Moroccan full-back in tears, carried off the field by the medical staff, froze the country. In a few minutes, the prospect of seeing the captain of the Atlas Lions absent from the next African Cup of Nations sowed panic in Moroccan hearts.
A worrying injury, but not irreversible
Medical examinations revealed a severe sprain of the left ankle, without the need for surgery but with an estimated recovery time of six to eight weeks. Enough to seriously compromise its participation in the CAN, which begins on December 21 in Morocco. However, a slight hope persists. Walid Regragui, the coach of the Atlas Lions, was confident: “Achraf is unique, he recovers faster than the others. We will do everything to make it ready. »
This declaration brought a smile back to an entire people, convinced that their hero can defy time.
At 26 years old, Hakimi has proven that he has an ironclad mentality. In recent seasons, he has played more than 90% of his club and national team’s matches, with impressive physical consistency. The medical staff in Paris and Rabat are now working together on an accelerated rehabilitation and muscle strengthening protocol. Beyond the medical aspect, Regragui insists on the emotional impact of his captain: “Hakimi is the driving force of the group. It brings confidence and balance. »
Morocco wants to believe it for Hakimi
But Morocco has not lost all defensive security. In the potential absence of its indisputable holder, the coach is counting on Noussair Mazraoui. The Manchester United defender, capable of playing on both flanks, will be ready to take on Hakimi’s role. “Mazraoui is of the same caliber, a real soldier”said Regragui, proof that confidence reigns despite uncertainty. The Ajax-trained player has already proven his worth on the international stage, and his experience will be crucial in maintaining defensive stability.
The CAN 2025 at home is much more than a tournament for Morocco: it is a meeting with history, 49 years after the only continental title of the Atlas Lions. Regragui knows it: his team, led by Ziyech, Amrabat or En-Nesyri, needs the grinta and leadership of Hakimi to dream bigger. And if the player’s body hesitates, his heart already seems ready to answer the country’s call. One certainty remains: injured or not, Hakimi will be at the heart of this adventure.
