Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has etched his name into the history books of the UEFA Champions League after equaling the long-standing appearance record held by former Ghanaian defender Samuel Kuffour.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back has now reached 72 appearances in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, matching the highest number ever recorded by an African defender in the tournament.
The enterprising defender was outstanding for the French giants, who cruised to a resounding 5-2 victory over Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16 first leg clash on Wednesday night.
Hakimi’s remarkable milestone is the result of years of consistency at the highest level of European football. The Moroccan star has been a regular presence in the Champions League since breaking onto the scene as a young talent and has steadily built his reputation as one of the most dynamic attacking full-backs in world football.
Throughout his career, Hakimi has featured in the competition with several top clubs across Europe. He first gained experience in the tournament with Spanish giants Real Madrid before continuing his development during a successful spell with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. The defender later played in the competition with Italian champions Inter Milan and is currently a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
His rise has been marked by pace, technical quality, and an ability to influence matches from the right flank. Known for his relentless runs forward and defensive reliability, Hakimi has become an integral part of PSG’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Matching the record previously set by Kuffour further highlights the significance of Hakimi’s achievement. The Ghanaian legend built his legacy with German powerhouse Bayern Munich during the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of Africa’s most respected defenders. Kuffour famously played a crucial role in Bayern’s triumph in the 2001 UEFA Champions League final, cementing his place in African football history.
By equaling Kuffour’s record of 72 appearances, Hakimi joins an exclusive group of African players who have consistently competed at the very top level of European club football.
At just 26 years old, the Moroccan still has plenty of years ahead of him, meaning he is well positioned not only to break the record outright but also to set a new benchmark for future African defenders in the Champions League.
The milestone underscores Hakimi’s growing legacy and reinforces his status as one of the most influential African footballers of his generation.
Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS