In a powerful post-match statement, Achraf Hakimi has opened up about his departure from Real Madrid—insisting it was not his choice to leave the Spanish giants. His comments come on the heels of Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, a result that sent shockwaves through European football.
“It Wasn’t My Decision to Leave Madrid”
Hakimi, who came through Real Madrid's famed youth academy, addressed his past with the club after the dominant win. While many believed his move to Inter Milan in 2020 was a personal decision to seek regular first-team football, the Moroccan right-back offered a different version of the story.
“It was not my decision to leave Real Madrid,” Hakimi said. “The club chose to let me go.”
Those words, delivered with calm confidence, seemed to carry the weight of years of professional and emotional growth. At just 25, Hakimi has already played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs—Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now Paris Saint-Germain. Yet, it’s clear that his departure from Madrid still lingers in his mind.
Flourishing in Paris
Despite the past, Hakimi is not dwelling on what might have been. He’s thriving at PSG, and he credits much of his success to manager Luis Enrique, who has given him the freedom to express himself on the field.
“I’m having fun here. I feel free,” Hakimi added. “The coach gives me confidence. Sometimes I play more like a midfielder or even an attacker. I love it.”
Under Enrique, Hakimi has taken on a more expansive role, pushing high up the right flank, overlapping with Ousmane Dembélé, and even drifting inside to contribute in central areas. It’s a tactical freedom that seems to suit him perfectly.
In this new system, Hakimi isn’t just a defender—he’s a creative engine, a goal threat, and an integral part of PSG’s attacking build-up.
PSG Crush Madrid in Club World Cup Statement
The timing of Hakimi’s comments is no coincidence. Just minutes earlier, his PSG side had dismantled Real Madrid in a stunning 4–0 win to book their place in the Club World Cup final. The match was a masterclass in dominance, with goals coming from Fabián Ruiz (2), Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos.
Real Madrid, who had won five Champions League titles in the past decade, looked completely overwhelmed. PSG outclassed them in every department—possession, pressing, and clinical finishing.
Hakimi didn’t get on the scoresheet, but his performance was full of intensity, composure, and leadership. He played like a man on a mission—a man who had something to prove against his former club.
Emotional Weight Still Lingers
While Hakimi is clearly enjoying life in Paris, there’s no doubt that his exit from Madrid remains a sore point. Speaking with the media after the match, he admitted the emotional complexity of the night.
“There are always memories when you face a former team. But I’m happy where I am. I’m focused on winning with PSG.”
For Hakimi, it’s no longer about revenge. It’s about growth. And the version of him we’re seeing today is stronger, more complete, and more confident than ever before.
A New Chapter, A Bigger Role
PSG’s evolution under Luis Enrique has been dramatic. Gone are the over-reliance on superstars like Messi and Neymar. In their place is a team built on fluidity, balance, and collective purpose. And Hakimi is central to that new identity.
His versatility allows him to switch between a wing-back and inverted full-back role depending on the match scenario. His chemistry with Dembélé and Ruiz on the right side is one of the team’s biggest weapons. And most importantly, he’s playing with joy.
That’s a key difference between his time at Real Madrid—where opportunities were limited—and his role at PSG, where he’s seen as a pillar of the project.
Looking Ahead
With PSG now through to the Club World Cup final, their confidence is sky-high. And for Hakimi, the mission is clear: win major trophies, continue developing, and leave the past where it belongs.
Still, his remarks about Real Madrid are a reminder that football careers don’t always follow a straight path. Sometimes, the decisions made by others shape a player’s journey. In Hakimi’s case, being let go by Real Madrid may have been the best thing that ever happened to him.
📝 Final Thoughts
Achraf Hakimi’s story is not just about football—it’s about identity, resilience, and finding the right place to shine. He may have left Madrid under uncertain circumstances, but today, he stands tall as one of the best full-backs in the world—and he’s doing it his way.
