The 30-Minute Gamble: How Hakimi Turned His Back on Spain to Become a Moroccan Legend

The fullback’s rise was not always a foregone conclusion. Between ages 16 and 19, the Getafe native saw his prospects at the Madrid club blocked by the immovable Dani Carvajal and Nacho. Nasser Larguet, then national technical director of Morocco, spotted this young talent in 2015 during a training camp in Brittany. Aware of his potential, the executive gave him half an hour to decide on his international future by explaining the lack of competition at his position with the Lions of the Atlas. "After 30 minutes, he had chosen Morocco," the former coach told Eurosport, adding that he immediately knew the player would have "a very great career."

On Bladi.net : Achraf Hakimi: The Training Move That Changed His Career

Despite natural shyness and fear of not being called up, the defender quickly established himself. In September 2017, coach Hervé Renard fielded him for the first time as a starter, in the left-back position. A successful baptism by fire as he scored his first professional goal in Rabat, on Eid day. At Madrid, Zinedine Zidane was among the rare people who firmly believed in him. The French coach integrated him into the first team and gave him playing time during the 2017-2018 season.

On Bladi.net : Achraf Hakimi explains why he turned down Spain for Morocco

However, the starting position remained locked at Real. At 19 years old, Achraf Hakimi went on loan to Borussia Dortmund. The coach at the time, Lucien Favre, quickly expressed doubts about his level during daily training sessions. Hervé Renard then intervened to reassure the Swiss coach, warning him that the Moroccan is not a training-ground player, but transforms completely in matches. A prediction justified by his subsequent development, as he now prepares to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.