PSG Star Reflects on Career-Defining Choice
Achraf Hakimi has explained the personal and professional factors that led him to choose the Morocco national football team over Spain national football team, despite early opportunities to represent Spain at youth level.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who was born to Moroccan parents but raised in Spain, revealed that the decision came after careful consideration during his formative years as a player at Real Madrid.
Hakimi has since become a central figure for Morocco, playing a key role in the team’s rise on the international stage, including their historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Early Opportunity With Spain
In an interview on “The Bridge” podcast, Hakimi disclosed that he was invited to join Spain’s youth teams while progressing through the ranks at Real Madrid. The opportunity came at a time when he was still shaping his international future.
According to Hakimi, the club encouraged him to experience the Spanish national setup before making a final decision. This led to a trial period with Spain’s youth teams, giving him insight into the environment and expectations.
However, the experience ultimately did not convince him to commit to Spain.
Personal Feelings Proved Decisive
Reflecting on that period, Hakimi said: “I went and had a trial period and I didn’t feel comfortable with the Spanish national team, and I told myself that the best option for my career and my family was to choose Morocco.”
The statement highlights the importance of personal comfort and emotional connection in his decision-making process. While many players weigh competitive prospects and long-term projects, Hakimi emphasised that his choice was driven by instinct and a sense of belonging.
Beyond Promises and Projects
Hakimi also pointed out that decisions about international representation are not always determined by strategic considerations alone. He noted that football is constantly evolving, with changes in coaching staff and tactical approaches potentially altering the trajectory of national teams.
As a result, he suggested that relying solely on projected plans or assurances may not always provide certainty. Instead, he stressed the value of personal conviction when making such significant career decisions.
A Key Figure for Morocco
Since committing to Morocco, Hakimi has established himself as an indispensable member of the national team. His contributions have been instrumental in the “Atlas Lions” achieving notable success, particularly their impressive run at the 2022 World Cup.
A Choice Shaped by Identity and Instinct
Hakimi’s reflections offer insight into the complexities faced by dual-nationality players when choosing which country to represent. For the PSG star, the decision ultimately came down to a combination of family ties, personal comfort, and inner belief.
His journey underscores how identity and intuition can play as crucial a role as sporting ambition in shaping a player’s international career.
