Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi expressed his excitement after scoring his first career hat-trick, helping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secure a 5-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday evening. The 27-year-old right-back delivered an outstanding performance in the ninth round of Ligue 1, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Hakimi described the achievement as a special moment in his career, particularly because scoring three goals in a single game is unusual for a defender.
Hakimi credited PSG head coach Luis Enrique's tactical freedom and his teammates' support for his historic performance. He explained that his attacking contributions are largely the result of the tactical freedom granted to him by Enrique. Hakimi added that his teammates help him find spaces, and the confidence the coach has in him also helps. This tactical freedom has allowed Hakimi to become one of PSG's most dangerous attacking players.
Despite being primarily responsible for defensive duties, Hakimi frequently moves into advanced positions and creates scoring opportunities. He emphasized that his understanding with his teammates allows him to move forward without leaving his defensive position exposed. Hakimi sometimes finds himself playing as a central striker, while other players cover his position when he joins the attack. He expressed his comfort in front of goal and his enjoyment of the experience.
Hakimi's performance against Le Havre marked a significant personal milestone for a player who has built his reputation on combining defensive responsibilities with attacking contributions. Since joining PSG from Inter Milan in July 2021, the Moroccan international has established himself among the club's most influential players. His speed, technical ability, and attacking instincts have made him an essential part of Luis Enrique's tactical system.
Friday's hat-trick further demonstrated Hakimi's versatility, highlighting his ability to operate beyond the traditional responsibilities of a right-back. The Moroccan star revealed that he kept the match ball to commemorate the achievement. According to Hakimi, his teammates were expected to sign the ball in the dressing room, turning it into a personal souvenir of his first career hat-trick.
The performance comes just days after Hakimi finished 13th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, marking his second consecutive year among the world's top 15 players. His latest display adds another achievement to an already remarkable career and further underlines his importance to both PSG and the Moroccan national team. Hakimi's display also made him a key player in PSG's history, as he contributed to the club's 2,000th goal.
The Moroccan international's achievement has garnered significant attention, with many praising his exceptional performance. As one of the top players in the world, Hakimi continues to demonstrate his skills and importance to his team. His hat-trick against Le Havre will be remembered as a remarkable moment in his career, and fans look forward to seeing his future performances.
Key points
- Achraf Hakimi scores his first career hat-trick in PSG's 5-1 victory over Le Havre
- Hakimi credits Luis Enrique's tactical freedom and teammates' support for his historic performance
- The hat-trick further demonstrates Hakimi's versatility and importance to PSG and the Moroccan national team
