When Achraf Hakimi left Real Madrid in 2018, he was just a young player eager to conquer the world. And he did. After shining at Dortmund, Inter, and now PSG, the Moroccan right-back has established himself as one of the best in his position. And now, on the elite stage of the 2025 Club World Cup semifinals, he’ll face the club that shaped him.

But this won’t be just another match. It’s a test of maturity, an emotional and sporting revenge. As Hakimi himself put it: “It’s a beautiful responsibility to be favorites. We’ve earned it.”

A historic season

The numbers speak for themselves: in the 2024–25 campaign, Hakimi has scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions. His most recent assist to Dembélé against Bayern took him to 26 goal involvements, setting a new record for a defender. He even surpassed Dani Alves’ mark from Guardiola’s Barça.

Beyond stats, his influence is visible in every play: blistering pace, tactical intelligence, and quiet leadership. “The coach has given me a freedom that’s helped me a lot,” he said, referring to Luis Enrique.

A warning for Madrid?

PSG heads into this semifinal as reigning European champions and a united force. But on an individual level, few arrive as in-form as Hakimi. Real Madrid will no longer be facing the Castilla youngster who left seven years ago. Now, he’s a fully developed star, hungry for trophies and ready to show the club that once let him go just how far he’s come.