Achraf Hakimi left the pitch in tears after suffering a severe ankle injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) match against Bayern Munich on November 4, 2025. The Moroccan defender was injured following a reckless challenge from Bayern’s Luis Diaz, who received a red card for the incident. Hakimi’s departure on crutches raises serious concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, hosted in Morocco.
The injury occurred just before halftime at the Parc des Princes, where Bayern Munich led 2-0, courtesy of two goals from Diaz. The Colombian winger had been having a standout game until his two-footed tackle on Hakimi left the defender in visible pain. Initially, the referee issued a yellow card, but video assistant referee (VAR) intervention led to a red card and Diaz’s dismissal.
Medical staff attended to Hakimi as he lay on the turf, and after several minutes, he was helped off the field, visibly distressed. This incident has sparked widespread concern among PSG fans and Moroccan supporters alike, as they await updates on the severity of his injury.
AFCON Aspirations in Jeopardy
Hakimi’s injury comes at a critical time, with the 2025 AFCON tournament set to commence in December. As captain of the Moroccan national team, Hakimi has expressed how important this tournament is to him. “The tournament is approaching fast, and it remains our top priority. We have a big responsibility to win it in front of our fans,” he stated earlier in the year.
The sight of Hakimi leaving the stadium in a protective boot and on crutches only adds to the anxiety surrounding his condition. Such immediate need for support typically indicates the potential for a serious injury that might sideline him for a considerable period.
In the aftermath of the match, PSG’s captain, Marquinhos, emphasized the need for caution, stating they would have to “wait for the tests” to assess Hakimi’s injury fully. This statement reflects the concern within the team regarding the impact of such an injury on their season and on Hakimi’s international commitments.
Challenges for PSG and Morocco
The implications of Hakimi’s injury extend beyond PSG. He is not only a key player for the club but also a pivotal figure for the Moroccan national team. If he is unable to participate in AFCON, it would be a significant loss for Morocco, who are hoping to perform well on home soil.
PSG’s injury woes deepened further as Ousmane Dembele was also forced off the field in the first half due to discomfort. Manager Luis Enrique indicated that Dembele’s injury appears to be unrelated to previous issues, raising further concerns about the squad’s depth as they navigate a challenging season.
Hakimi’s absence would leave a notable gap in PSG’s defense and impact their strategy moving forward. As he has been one of the team’s most dynamic players this season, his leadership and skill are sorely needed.
As the football community waits for test results regarding Hakimi’s injury, the stakes are high. The next few days will be critical for both PSG and Morocco, with fans hoping for positive news. The potential loss of Hakimi not only jeopardizes his season but could also disrupt Morocco’s aspirations for success in one of the most anticipated AFCON tournaments in recent memory. Football can be a source of great joy, but moments like this remind us of its harsh realities.
