While Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Moroccan national football team and star of Paris Saint-Germain, is undoubtedly a national and international superstar, he enjoys an exceptional status and immense popularity in Ksar El Kebir, his mother's hometown. There, he is seen not only as a talented footballer but also as a national pride and a beacon of hope, with fans pinning their hopes on him to achieve the long-awaited dream of continental glory.
Roots in the Grand Palace and a global career
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of major sporting events, a sense of anticipation mixed with pride pervades the city of Ksar El Kebir, located about 200 kilometers north of Rabat. This tranquil city is closely linked to Hakimi's name, as his mother was born and raised there before emigrating to Spain as a young woman. Achraf was born in 1998 in the outskirts of Madrid.
Despite his European upbringing, Hakimi chose to represent his country of origin, becoming a key player for the Moroccan national team. Hassan El Mouden, 57, owner of a downtown café known for broadcasting Spanish league matches since the 1990s, notes that Hakimi's popularity began with his debut for Real Madrid, adding: "There isn't a Moroccan who isn't proud of him, let alone us, the people of his hometown.".
A symbol of perseverance and overcoming difficulties
This overwhelming popularity isn't solely due to blood ties and heritage, but also to the values of perseverance that Achraf embodies. Hicham Ajtou (48 years old), a taxi driver, sees Hakimi as representing "determination and resolve," praising his tireless work to improve himself and his strong comebacks even after injuries sidelined him for extended periods.
City residents fondly remember Achraf's childhood visits during summer vacations, and despite his current international commitments, his influence remains. In the narrow neighborhood pitches, children and teenagers chase after the ball, emulating the Paris Saint-Germain full-back and continent's best player. "Everyone here loves him because he sets an example of perseverance in life, having started from nothing," says 20-year-old Muath Bala. "We also aspire to be like him.".
The impact of the World Cup achievement and the human dimension
Hakimi's stardom took on another dimension following Morocco's historic achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he contributed to the Atlas Lions reaching the semi-finals, a first for both Arab and African nations. This achievement made him a global icon, but in the eyes of the people of Ksar El Kebir, he remained that humble young man.
In this context, Youssef Raisouni, a member of the municipal council, explains that the city witnessed a “historic visit” by Hakimi in 2022, during which he was honored by having the city’s stadium named after him. Raisouni adds that this event helped to raise the profile of the city and modernize the stadium to live up to its name, noting that the stadium’s interior walls are adorned with images of Hakimi, most notably his famous picture kissing his mother’s head, who has been by his side throughout his successes.
Hopes are pinned on “Assad”
As fans eagerly await the national team's crucial matches, the residents of Ksar El Kebir express their confidence in Hakimi's leadership and influence. Al-Moudan points out that "his mere presence can affect the opponents," asserting that the city's streets will be deserted during the match, only to erupt later in celebrations of the anticipated victory. For them, Achraf Hakimi remains more than just a player; he is an inspiring success story that connects childhood dreams in the alleys of Ksar El Kebir with global triumphs.
