Achraf Hakimi Closes In on Samuel Eto'o's Historic Champions League Record
Achraf Hakimi reached 19 Champions League assists following the 4-2 victory over Barcelona. The Moroccan matched Mohamed Salah and moved within one assist of Samuel Eto'o.
Some footballers need to score goals to make history, while others can do it with a single pass. Achraf Hakimi belongs to the second group and is getting closer to becoming the African player with the most assists in UEFA Champions League history.
The Moroccan fullback once again demonstrated his importance on one of European football's biggest stages. Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 at the Parc des Princes, a result that allowed the French side to maintain their perfect record in the competition and reach nine points after three matchdays.
However, beyond the victory, the match produced an individual milestone that brought Hakimi closer to joining an exclusive group of African football legends.
In the 86th minute, with the Catalan side desperately trying to stay in the game, the Moroccan surged forward down the right flank and delivered a cross that Fabián Ruiz converted to score the fourth goal and seal the victory.
Another assist added to his collection. But this one carried special significance.
Mohamed Salah and Samuel Eto'o: The Records Hakimi Is Chasing
According to statistics published by Statsdufoot, Achraf Hakimi has now registered 19 assists in Champions League history, matching the total of Mohamed Salah.
The milestone places the Moroccan defender among the African footballers with the greatest contributions to goal creation in Europe's most prestigious club competition.
Ahead of him stands a true legend of African football: Samuel Eto'o.
The former Cameroon international, who enjoyed remarkable spells with Barcelona and Inter Milan, leads this particular ranking with 20 assists, according to the same statistical source.
That means Hakimi needs just one more assist to equal Eto'o and two to surpass him.
The opportunity becomes even more interesting because Salah is not competing in the Champions League this season. The Egyptian currently plays for Trabzonspor, who are participating in the UEFA Conference League.
As a result, the Moroccan has the opportunity to continue improving his numbers while one of his closest rivals in the ranking is absent from the competition.
A Defender Writing His Own Chapter in History
What makes this statistic particularly remarkable is that Hakimi is neither a striker nor an attacking midfielder. His natural position is right-back, although his pace, attacking runs, and ability to deliver the final pass have made him a fundamental part of Luis Enrique's team.
At 27 years old, the Moroccan international still has plenty of time to improve his numbers and potentially establish a record that could stand for several seasons.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain continue their perfect start in Europe, while Barcelona suffered their first defeat of this season's competition and remain on six points.
But for Achraf Hakimi, the night delivered more than just another victory. It brought him closer to a record that has belonged for years to one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Samuel Eto'o still holds the top spot, but the Moroccan is now just one assist away from matching him.
Key Takeaways From Achraf Hakimi's Record Chase
- Achraf Hakimi reached 19 Champions League assists, according to Statsdufoot, after setting up Fabián Ruiz against Barcelona.
- Mohamed Salah also has 19 assists, while Samuel Eto'o leads the African ranking with 20, according to the same statistical source.
- Hakimi needs one more assist to equal the Cameroonian legend and two to become the outright leader.
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