Photo from: FRMF / Royal Moroccan Football Federation
The FIFA The Best 2025 ceremony, held in Doha, delivered a strong signal for Moroccan football. As the world’s best players were honoured, Achraf Hakimi once again confirmed his status among the global elite by earning a place in the FIFA Men’s World XI.
For Morocco, Hakimi’s inclusion is more than an individual accolade. It reflects the continued rise of Moroccan football on the world stage, following recent international successes and the growing influence of Moroccan players at top European clubs.
Hakimi, a Global Reference at Right-Back
Selected as the right-back in the World XI, Achraf Hakimi was recognised for a season defined by consistency, intensity, and decisive impact. His performances combined defensive reliability with attacking output, making him one of the most complete full-backs in world football.
Hakimi’s presence alongside elite defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Willian Pacho, and fellow PSG teammate Nuno Mendes highlights his ability to compete at the very highest level, both for club and country.
For Moroccan supporters, the selection reinforces Hakimi’s role as the flag-bearer of the national team generation, and a symbol of Morocco’s credibility among football’s global powers.
PSG Core, Moroccan Pride
The World XI featured a strong Paris Saint-Germain contingent, with Hakimi joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha. This collective recognition underlines PSG’s influence on world football, but from a Moroccan perspective, it is Hakimi who stands out as the nation’s representative among the elite.
His inclusion also strengthens Morocco’s image ahead of AFCON 2025, where the Atlas Lions will host the continent and aim to translate individual excellence into collective success.
Mbappé Absent, but the Spotlight on Balance
While much of the global debate has focused on the absence of Kylian Mbappé, FIFA’s selection criteria favoured players whose influence translated directly into collective trophies and tactical dominance.
Up front, Ousmane Dembélé, crowned FIFA The Best Player of the Year, was selected alongside Lamine Yamal, leaving no space for other attacking stars. The decision reflects the fine margins at this level rather than a lack of quality elsewhere.
For Morocco, the discussion remains secondary. The key takeaway is clear: a Moroccan defender is firmly established among the world’s best.
The FIFA The Best 2025 World XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Achraf Hakimi – Willian Pacho – Virgil van Dijk – Nuno Mendes
Cole Palmer – Jude Bellingham – Vitinha – Pedri
Lamine Yamal – Ousmane Dembélé
A Strong Signal Ahead of AFCON 2025
Hakimi’s inclusion sends a powerful message ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The Atlas Lions will enter the tournament with players who are not only African references, but global benchmarks.
As Morocco prepares to host the continent, moments like this underline why expectations are high, and why Moroccan football now speaks with authority on the world stage.
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