Moroccan football fans have received a massive morale boost ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with positive signs regarding the fitness of their star defender, Achraf Hakimi. A recent social media picture showing the Paris Saint-Germain star without his protective boot has ignited hopes across the kingdom, which is set to host the tournament starting this Sunday.
From Injury Doubts to Recovery Hope
The 27-year-old right-back, recently named in the 2025 FIFA Best XI, suffered a badly sprained left ankle in November. The injury occurred during a UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich after a reckless tackle from Luis Diaz, who was shown a red card. The sight of Hakimi moving with difficulty to collect his African Player of the Year award in Rabat last month highlighted the seriousness of the concern.
However, the latest images tell a different story. Hakimi was pictured in Rabat this week, dressed casually in a red, white, and black sweater, sunglasses, and sneakers—but crucially, the surgical boot was gone. He reportedly arrived in Morocco with a doctor and physiotherapist from PSG and is continuing his rehabilitation, with hopes he can start training later this week.
A Captain's Crucial Role in Ending the Drought
Considered one of the world's best in his position, Hakimi is the captain and a key figure for the Atlas Lions. His availability is central to Morocco's mission to win the AFCON for the first time since 1976—ending a five-decade title drought. Coach Walid Regragui, the first African coach to reach a World Cup semi-final, has emphasized he will not take risks with his leader.
"He is our leader, our captain," said Regragui. This cautious approach might mean Hakimi misses the entire three-match group stage. Morocco begins its campaign against the Comoros on Sunday, December 21, followed by matches against Mali on December 26 and Zambia on December 29. All group games will be held at the 68,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco's Form and the Host Nation Curse
The top-ranked African team enters the tournament in scintillating form, holding a world record 18 consecutive victories in competitive and friendly matches. They broke Spain's record in October and have since won warm-up games against Mozambique and Uganda. The passionate home support adds another layer of advantage.
However, history shows that being host is no guarantee of success. Since 2000, only three host nations—Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2023)—have lifted the trophy. Morocco's own AFCON record since their 1976 triumph is modest, with only one final appearance in 2004, where they lost to Tunisia with Regragui playing at right-back.
The round of 16 begins on January 3, which is a potential target date for Hakimi's return. If the PSG star is passed fit to lead the charge, Morocco's chances of becoming the fourth successful host this century will be dramatically enhanced, bringing a nation's long wait for continental glory closer to an end.
