Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has equalled Hakim Ziyech’s record for the most appearances in European competitions by a Moroccan player, putting him within reach of becoming the country’s outright record holder.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender reached 83 appearances in continental competitions during his side’s Champions League meeting with Villarreal, after being selected in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up for the fourth round of the competition.
Hakimi’s latest appearance brought him level with former Chelsea and Ajax midfielder Ziyech, who had previously occupied the top position on the list of Moroccan players with the most matches in European competitions.
The 83-match milestone represents another significant achievement in Hakimi’s career, with the right-back having established himself as a regular presence in Europe’s biggest club tournaments while representing several leading sides.
His record could soon stand alone, with PSG’s next Champions League fixture offering him an opportunity to move ahead of his compatriot.
Hakimi closes in on Ziyech’s European record
Hakimi’s 83 appearances have come across two European competitions, with 81 matches played in the Champions League and two in the UEFA Super Cup.
The Moroccan defender accumulated those appearances while representing four different clubs: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
His journey through some of Europe’s leading leagues has allowed him to maintain a consistent presence at the highest level of continental football, with his latest appearance bringing him alongside Ziyech in the Moroccan record standings.
Ziyech, meanwhile, established his impressive total through spells with several European clubs, recording appearances across the Champions League, Europa League and their qualifying rounds.
His record includes 45 matches in the main Champions League competition and another 14 appearances in its qualifying stages.
The former Ajax and Chelsea midfielder also featured in 17 Europa League matches, six qualifying fixtures for the competition and one European Super Cup encounter.
Those numbers have kept Ziyech at the top of the Moroccan rankings for European appearances, although Hakimi’s continued involvement in the Champions League means his position is now under serious threat.
Roma fixture could give Hakimi outright record
Hakimi has an opportunity to move beyond Ziyech when Paris Saint-Germain face Roma in their fifth Champions League fixture on 25 November.
Should the Moroccan international retain his place in Enrique’s starting plans and feature in the encounter, he will register his 84th appearance in European competitions, moving ahead of Ziyech to become Morocco’s outright record holder.
The achievement would underline the defender’s remarkable consistency in European football and further strengthen his position among the country’s most successful players on the continental stage.
The competition between the two internationals also highlights the growing contribution of Moroccan footballers to Europe’s leading club tournaments.
While Ziyech built his record through an extensive career involving the Champions League and Europa League, Hakimi has accumulated his appearances through spells at major clubs in Spain, Germany, Italy and France.
Their achievements reflect the presence of Moroccan talent across several of Europe’s most competitive leagues and the different paths taken by players from successive generations of the national team.
Hakimi’s impressive contribution in Europe
Beyond his appearance record, Hakimi has also made a considerable contribution in front of goal during his European career.
Across his 83 continental appearances, the PSG defender has been directly involved in 30 goals.
He has scored 10 times and provided 20 assists, numbers that demonstrate his attacking influence in addition to his defensive responsibilities.
His ability to contribute in the final third has been an important part of his European career, particularly given his position as a right-back.
With more Champions League matches ahead, Hakimi now has the opportunity to move clear of Ziyech and establish a new Moroccan record.
For the PSG defender, the next appearance could therefore represent another landmark moment in a career that has already taken him through some of Europe’s biggest clubs and competitions.
