Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, remains optimistic about returning in time for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, according to Canal+. The Atlas Lions' captain, crowned African Player of the Year on Wednesday at the CAF Awards 2025, shared reassuring updates about his recovery, expressing his determination to be ready for Morocco's opening match of AFCON, the French channel reported. «The news is quite good, and honestly quite impressive. He is working extremely hard to get back to 100 percent», said a Canal+ journalist who spoke with the PSG right-back, noting that Hakimi is expected to keep his orthopedic boot «for at least another ten days». «The player wishes to warmly thank the team around him, a stable team, which is undoubtedly one of the keys to his success», the same source added. Achraf Hakimi has enjoyed a highly decorated career, winning the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid, the German Super Cup with Borussia Dortmund, and the Italian Serie A title with Inter Milan. For the upcoming AFCON, to be held in Morocco, the Atlas Lions are set to face Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in the group stage on December 21, 26, and 29.
