Achraf Hakimi's Courage: Playing Through Injury for Morocco at the CAN

International competitions ignite the dreams of players, who yearn to participate at any cost. For some, the heartbreak of injury just before the event can be challenging to accept. Yet, even when injured, certain athletes take risks to fulfill their ambitions.

“I didn’t want to miss the Africa Cup of Nations!” exclaimed Achraf Hakimi at a press conference. The PSG right-back has been nursing an injury since a tackle from Luis Diaz in the Champions League. However, he has still been called up to represent Morocco in the tournament. His coach, who was also present, praised Hakimi’s bravery: “I want to thank Hakimi; he has sacrificed so much for his country.” This decision poses a significant risk for both the player and coach Walid Regragui.

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Despite his ankle discomfort, Hakimi is eager to reunite with his teammates. “I feel good,” he assured. “I’m following the program with the doctors and the coach. After that, we will see what the coach decides. I don’t know when I’ll play, but I feel ready.“

Playing injured carries risks

Hakimi is not the first player to take such a gamble. A notable example is French defender Samuel Umtiti during the 2018 World Cup. He played through a significant knee injury, doing his best to conceal it. This sacrifice helped France clinch the title, but it came at a cost. Umtiti never truly returned to his previous level of performance, ultimately being forced to retire at age 31 in 2025. Achraf Hakimi is therefore taking a considerable risk.