‘He does everything well’ — PSG boss Luis Enrique praises CAF Player of the Year Hakimi

Despite being sidelined until 2026, Achraf Hakimi’s all-round brilliance and historic year keep him central to PSG’s plans.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has showered praise on Achraf Hakimi after the Moroccan full-back was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year, calling him a rare talent who performs “at a very high level” on both ends of the pitch.

Hakimi, who is expected to be out injured until next year, still earned glowing recognition from his coach during a press conference ahead of PSG’s clash with Le Havre. Enrique, now in his third season at the club, described the right-back as a complete footballer whose influence extends far beyond position labels.

“He’s been top-notch both defensively and offensively,” Enrique said. “He’s not just a defender; he does everything well. That’s great for him, and he needs to keep going in this direction.”

The PSG boss also made it clear that accolades, while deserved, aren’t what define Hakimi within the squad. What matters most, Enrique noted, is the player’s importance to the team’s structure and mentality, something the 27-year-old has embodied consistently since arriving in Paris.

Hakimi’s latest milestone comes at the end of a year that could hardly be improved upon. His CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, announced in Rabat earlier this week, makes him the first defender since 1973, and the first Moroccan since 1998, to claim Africa’s biggest individual honour. He edged Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen after a season filled with trophies and standout moments.

Hakimi Says He Has ‘Peace of Mind’ Amid Rape Trial Request

His 2024–25 campaign was a masterclass in decisive football. Hakimi lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the UEFA Super Cup, delivering four Champions League goals, including one in the final, and supplying five assists in Europe. His performances in high-pressure matches played a major role in PSG’s treble run.

Beyond club duties, he led Morocco through an unbeaten streak and strengthened their push toward the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most reliable leaders.

While rivals like Salah shone in the Premier League and Osimhen dominated Turkish football, Hakimi’s unique blend of trophies, consistency, and big-game impact ultimately swung the votes in his favour. Even from the sidelines, his influence remains intact, and PSG, clearly, still sees him as a pillar of the project.