Two days later, he came out of silence. Achraf Hakimi spoke this Tuesday, January 20 on social networks, reflecting on the defeat conceded by his Morocco in the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations against Senegal (1-0 after). Via a long message published jointly on Instagram and »
After thanking “His Majesty” Mohammed VI “for the immense work accomplished so that this African Cup is (…) the best in history”, as well as Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the right side addressed “the Moroccan people”. “You were our twelfth man, our strength when the legs were heavy and the heart ached. We have felt your support in Morocco and in every corner of the world,” he said.
According to Hakimi, the CAN finalists “showed the world that Morocco does not just compete: Morocco inspires”. “Today, this Moroccan selection has become a strong, respected and admired team, like a country which moves forward with confidence and which shows the world that it is one of the great footballing nations,” said the Paris Saint-Germain defender after having a thought for Walid Regragui, the coach, and his teammates.
“The future is bright”
Speaking of “the immense pride of representing an entire nation”, the leader of the Atlas Lions hopes to have “gave hope to millions of people, in the country and beyond the borders”, before concluding his message by looking towards the near future.
“This path does not end here,” he promises. “What we have experienced provides a solid foundation for the future. With this mindset, this union and this ambition, there is no limit to what this selection can achieve. The future is built from what we sow today. The future is bright. Morocco will continue to move forward with its head held high.”
After the disillusionment of Rabat, Hakimi and his partners will be able to quickly turn to new objectives, starting with the 2026 World Cup next summer in North America.
