Achraf Hakimi, the PSG right-back, born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, ultimately picked Morocco as his team; a recent interview by L’Equipe with Nasser Larguet, former Moroccan national technical director, tells the story of how Hakimi had to make a life-changing choice between Spain and Morocco in 30 minutes.
Hakimi, now a key player with 83 caps for Morocco, nearly went a different route. While still with Real Madrid’s youth teams, he received a call-up from Spain, placing him in a difficult position.
Larguet recalled in L’Equipe: “[Hakimi] had a problem. He was called by Spain and was a little afraid because if he didn’t honor that call, what would happen to his contract at Real Madrid? I told him, Go. Compare and make your choice with a clear conscience.”
Larguet didn’t stop there. He flew to Madrid with Hakimi’s father and his two Spanish agents to meet the young player at a hotel. “I told him, ‘I can’t guarantee anything, but with your qualities and hard work, you will play more for Morocco than Spain. But it’s your choice. You have half an hour to decide,” Larguet recounted.
Upon Larguet’s return, Hakimi said: “It’s Morocco.”
Thanks to Larguet’s intervention and the half-hour ultimatum, Hakimi embraced his heritage and committed to the Atlas Lions team.
Since his first call-up in August 2016, Hakimi has grown into a leader on the Moroccan team, debuting officially under Hervé Renard in a 4-0 win over Canada. His choice demonstrates how critical moments and firm decisions can shape a player’s path. A decision that was about more than ‘just’ a game.
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