Hakimi suffered the injury following a harsh tackle by Luis Diaz, which resulted in the Colombian’s red card. Since then, the Moroccan international has been focused on recovery, ruling him out for this decisive final.

The Moroccan had enjoyed a strong season in the Champions League and Ligue 1, showcasing his ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch. Missing him for an international final is a notable setback for the team, testing PSG’s tactical flexibility and squad depth.

Confirmed replacement for Hakimi

PSG boast a roster abundant with talented players, offering options to cover Hakimi’s absence. For this vital encounter, coach Luis Enrique will line up with Warren Zaire‑Emery, filling the vacant role to preserve balance while compensating for Hakimi’s absence.

Here is PSG’s confirmed XI for today’s game: Safonov; Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Warren Zaire‑Emery; Fabian, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Lee Kang-In, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Ousmane Dembele is sidelined due to illness, and Achraf Hakimi is nursing an injury sustained in the match against Bayern Munich, during which Luis Diaz was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

Despite the absence of these two key players, PSG remain poised to make a significant impact in the Champions League, as they have consistently generated attention with their dynamic playing style and formidable offense.

Conversely, Athletic Club aim to challenge the French side and make their own push up the standings, as they strive to secure a direct spot in the round of 16, thereby avoiding the playoff round.

Confirmed replacements for Dembele and Hakimi

PSG boast a roster abundant with talented players, providing opportunities to fill the void left by these two crucial players, who have been instrumental in both the attack and defense for the French team.

For this vital encounter, head coach Luis Enrique has chosen Barcola and Zaire-Emery to step onto the field, replacing those unavailable for the match against Athletic Club.

Here is PSG’s confirmed lineup for today’s game in the Champions League:

• Goalkeeper: Safonov
• Defenders: Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes
• Midfielders: Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz
• Forwards: Barcola, Mayulu, Kvaratskhelia

Diaz capitalized quickly, tapping in a rebound off goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier just three minutes into the match for the 1-0 lead. He struck again in the 31st minute, stealing the ball from Marquinhos deep in the defense to slot home the 2-0 goal for the German club.

The dramatic shift occurred in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Diaz attempted to strip the ball from Hakimi but committed a dangerous tackle that resulted in a severe injury, forcing the PSG defender to leave the field. Following a review by the VAR, the Colombian forward was shown the red card, leaving Bayern Munich with 10 players for the entire second half.

In doing so, Luis Diaz became the first player in Champions League history to score a brace and be sent off in the first half of a match, according to MisterChip on X (formerly Twitter).

More problems mount for PSG

While PSG have yet to release an official statement regarding Hakimi’s injury, the severity suggests the Moroccan defender may be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

This certainly compounds the bad news for manager Luis Enrique, who is adding another injured star to his roster. During the match itself, Ousmane Dembele had to be replaced in the first half after sustaining a new injury, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano. Furthermore, the French side is already without Desire Doue, who is expected to miss several weeks due to a muscle injury in his right thigh.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Hakimi explained that while he won’t face Yamal directly, the 18-year-old winger will have to deal with “the best left-back in the world” in Nuno Mendes.

“Lamine is not on my side, but he will be up against the best left-back in the world in Nuno Mendes,” Hakimi said. “He is capable of stopping him, as he has done already, and as he has stopped other attackers with the same style as Lamine in the past. He is well prepared”.

The Moroccan defender referenced the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League final, when Mendes helped Portugal shut down Spain and Yamal, while also scoring in the match.

“But the strength of our team is the help we provide to each other,” Hakimi added. “We will try to support Nuno so he isn’t left one-on-one, because we know what Lamine can do in those situations”.

Injury concerns on both sides

Both PSG and Barcelona will be without key players for this crucial Champions League clash. PSG manager Luis Enrique is missing his entire first-choice attacking trio of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, all sidelined with injuries, along with captain Marquinhos.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick also faces significant absences. Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia were both injured in the recent LaLiga match against Real Oviedo, and they join Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez on the sidelines. The good news for Barça, however, is the return of superstar Lamine Yamal, who is expected to start in this high-stakes encounter.

Notably, Dembele and Yamal, representing PSG and Barcelona respectively, are among the frontrunners to claim the prestigious trophy, an accolade famously dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. As the Ballon d’Or marks its 69th edition in Paris, the competition is fiercer than ever.

Some players, however, are aware they won’t make the top 10. Vinicius Jr., who astonishingly secured second place behind Rodri in last year’s edition, finds himself ranked 16th this time. Similarly, his teammate Jude Bellingham, formerly third, has slipped to 23rd in the rankings.

With neither Ronaldo nor Messi among the nominees, one anticipated attendee, Kylian Mbappe, will instead be tuning into the awards remotely. Despite expectations, Mbappe will not be present to witness the crowning of soccer’s new king in person.

Why are Vitinha and Hakimi absent from the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala?

Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi will miss the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala because they are slated to play for PSG in a pivotal clash against Olympique Marseille. This historic matchup could be crucial for PSG’s quest to maintain their lead in the Ligue 1 standings.

Due to an injury, Dembele has been granted permission to attend the ceremony, bolstering his status as one of the favorites for the award. Accompanying Dembele at the event are PSG teammates Joao Neves and Desire Doue.

With global anticipation building, fans are eager to see who will take home the Ballon d’Or this year. Hakimi and Vitinha, meanwhile, will find out the results shortly after their match concludes.

The matchup marks a highly anticipated reunion, as Messi is set to face PSG for the first time since leaving the French giants for MLS. Ahead of the game, PSG star Achraf Hakimi shared his thoughts—and a subtle warning—for his former teammate.

“It would be great to see Messi again,” said Hakimi. The Moroccan international praised the Argentine’s time in Paris before drawing a competitive line in the sand. “I spent two great years with him. But once we’re on the pitch, there are no friends. He’ll try to win, and so will we“.

PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also looked ahead to the clash with Inter Miami, telling DAZN after the draw was finalized: “It’s fantastic for us and for me,” said the Italian international.

Donnarumma went on to reflect on Messi’s two-year stint at PSG: “Leo is a great friend. I lived here with him for two fantastic years in which we played with the best player in the world. But now, I hope we win—he’s already won plenty of titles“.

PSG’s message to Messi

The storyline of Messi facing his former club adds further intrigue to the match—not just because PSG represents European dominance in the tournament, but also because it’s the last club Messi played for in Europe before moving to the United States.

On Messi’s 38th birthday, PSG acknowledged their former No. 10 with a pointed message via X (formerly Twitter): “Happy birthday, Leo Messi!” the club wrote, sharing a photo of the Argentine icon. But it didn’t end there. In a playful, competitive twist, they added: “See you Sunday“.

When is Inter Miami vs. PSG?

Inter Miami will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, June 29, with kickoff at Mercedes–Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The goal was the result of a fluid attacking sequence that began with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left flank. The Georgian winger sparked the play with a surging run before finding Vitinha, who threaded a precise ball through the lines to Désiré Doué. The young midfielder delivered a perfect cutback into the heart of the box, where Hakimi arrived unmarked to calmly slot home.

But while PSG fans erupted, Hakimi’s reaction raised eyebrows. Instead of celebrating passionately, the Moroccan international made his way toward the corner flag — only to remain expressionless, opting not to celebrate the goal at all.

The muted reaction stems from Hakimi’s past ties with Inter Milan. The full-back spent a season on loan with the Italian club during the 2020–21 campaign, playing a key role in their Serie A title run. His respect for his former team appears to be the reason behind the subdued response, despite the goal’s significance.

Achraf Hakimi’s journey at Inter Milan

Achraf Hakimi joined Inter Milan ahead of the 2020–21 season in a high-profile move from Real Madrid, following a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. The Moroccan right-back was signed for around €40 million and quickly became a crucial part of Antonio Conte’s tactical setup. Known for his blistering pace, stamina, and attacking instincts, Hakimi slotted into Conte’s 3-5-2 formation as a right wing-back, where he had the freedom to influence the game in both halves of the pitch.

In his lone season with the Nerazzurri, Hakimi made an immediate impact, registering 7 goals and 11 assists in Serie A. His dynamic presence down the right flank gave Inter a new dimension in attack, often stretching defenses and linking effectively with players like Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez. Hakimi’s offensive output, coupled with his growing defensive awareness, made him one of the most valuable players in the squad throughout the season.

The 2020–21 campaign proved historic for both Hakimi and Inter Milan. The club won its first Serie A title in 11 years, ending Juventus’ long-standing dominance in Italian soccer. Hakimi played a pivotal role in that championship run, earning widespread praise from fans, pundits, and teammates alike. His ability to turn defense into attack with one stride made him a nightmare for opposing teams and a standout in the league.

Despite his success in Italy, financial constraints forced Inter to sell several key players after the title win, including Hakimi. In July 2021, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to €70 million. Though his time at Inter was brief, it was immensely impactful—leaving behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism that still resonates with supporters of the club.

In an interview with Foot Mercato, Achraf Hakimi took part in a dynamic challenge. He had to select specific traits to create the ideal player. He chose Lionel Messi’s left foot and Cristiano Ronaldo’s right foot. Then, he picked his own speed. He added the physical strength of Sergio Ramos and the dribbling ability of Kylian Mbappe. He also highlighted the intelligence of Isco. However, the real surprise came when he named his pick for the GOAT.

Achraf Hakimi chose Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player of all time. His answer came as a surprise. Although he played with both, he spent more time on the pitch with Lionel Messi on Paris Saint-Germain. When he played for Real Madrid, Cristiano was still there. However, Hakimi did not start many games during that time.

Despite spending more time on the field with Lionel Messi, Hakimi developed at Real Madrid’s youth academy. As a result, his love for the club has always come to the fore. He grew up admiring Cristiano Ronaldo, and that shaped his career. However, this does not mean he lacks respect for Messi. In fact, he once described playing alongside the Argentine star as ‘a dream’.

How many games did Achraf Hakimi play with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid?

Achraf Hakimi officially debuted for Real Madrid on October 1, 2017. He came through the club’s youth academy. He played 17 matches with the first team. He shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo only eight times. Even, they never managed a joint goal contribution.

Real Madrid’s coach at the time, Zinedine Zidane, did not rely on him. Instead, he often kept Hakimi on the bench or left him out of the squad. As a result, the club decided to transfer him to Borussia Dortmund. There, Hakimi unlocked his full potential. He impressed with consistent performances. That success led to a move to Inter Milan in 2020.

How many games did Achraf Hakimi play with Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain?

Achraf Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 after a successful spell with Inter Milan. In the same transfer window, Lionel Messi also arrived at the club. The two stars played together frequently and shared the field in 59 matches across all competitions. However, they only connected for one goal during that time.

“We started the Olympic Games with an important victory. I deplore the behavior of certain supporters during the match, which tarnished the image of our loyal fans. Such behavior has no place in soccer. Dima Maghrib (Always Morocco),” Hakimi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Hakimi, 25, is one of the overage players called up by Morocco for Paris 2024. The Paris Saint-Germain star has captained the team to victory in its debut, but he couldn’t overlook the incidents that happened in Saint-Etienne.

Morocco fans whistle, throw firecrackers and storm field in Paris 2024 debut against Argentina

The Moroccan supporters made headlines for the wrong reasons in the country’s first match, whistling Argentina from the moment they took the field. But they went even further later in the game.

When Argentina celebrated Cristian Medina’s goal — eventually disallowed — Moroccan fans immediately stormed the field, leading to the suspension of the game as others threw firecrackers and bottles on the Argentine players.

Many thought the match ended in a 2-2 draw as both teams went to the tunnel, but it turns out referee Glenn Nyberg hadn’t called it off yet. Instead, the referee still wanted to play the remaining minutes.

Morocco win as Argentina’s equalizer gets disallowed after nearly two hours of wait

Even though he added 15 minutes to the game, Nyberg planned to add even more time after Medina’s equalizer. But first, he also wanted to see the VAR review to determine whether Argentina‘s equalizer should stand.

It took nearly two hours for the referee and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to decide the match should be resumed. After checking the replay on the monitor, Nyberg disallowed Argentina’s second goal for offside and determined the remaining three minutes should be played.

Argentina were unable to find another late equalizer, with Morocco emerging victorious after a chaotic turn of events in the first day of Paris 2024. Hakimi and company ended up celebrating the win, but the captain didn’t stay silent about the controversy sparked by the fans’ behavior.

Real Madrid‘s transfer market has been quite quiet so far. In fact, Mbappe has been the only signing that the club has made, and that without paying a transfer fee. The team’s priority is to strengthen the defense, but they don’t want to commit crazy things.

Names such as Laporte and Hummels have been considered for the centre-back, while for the right-back Davies is the main target. However, Mbappe has expressly asked for the signing of Achraf Hakimi.

Achraf Hakimi to Real Madrid?

According to Defensa Central, Mbappe told Florentino Perez that Hakimi would be the perfect replacement for Carvajal in the future. The Frenchman believes that the PSG full-back has the ideal conditions to succeed at Real Madrid. In addition, Mbappe assured that Hakimi is very interested in returning to Real Madrid. The Frenchman believes that the salary would not be a problem for the player, since what he wants most is to play in the Spanish capital again.

However, the signing of Hakimi is presented as a very complicated operation. The full-back has a contract with PSG until 2026 and the French club does not want to let him go, especially to a direct rival like Real Madrid. The Whites’ board will have to work hard to convince PSG to sell the player and to reach an agreement with Hakimi himself.

What will happen to Real Madrid’s right-back?

The situation of the Real Madrid right-back is uncertain. Carvajal is still the undisputed starter, but he is already 30 years old and his performance has been declining in recent years. Dani Carvajal is an option to consider, but it is unclear if the club fully trusts him as Carvajal’s replacement. The final decision on the future of the Real Madrid right-back will have to be made by Florentino Perez.

One such example is soccer, which will star this Wednesday with a Group B match between Argentina and Morocco. The match will feature the tournament’s most valuable player, according to Transfermarkt.com.

The player in question is none other than Julian Alvarez, who is currently valued at €90 million. He is a target for several European giants, including Atletico de Madrid. Precisely, it was Julian Alvarez himself who made a decision regarding his future at Manchester City.

Alvarez is one of four players who were crowned World Cup champions in Qatar 2022 and also recently won the Copa America 2024 in the United States. The other two players over 23 years old who joined him in this tournament are defender Nicolas Otamendi and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

Argentina’s debut will be against their African counterpart, Morocco. This match will feature one of Morocco’s standout players, Achraf Hakimi. The PSG defender is also one of the tournament’s most valuable players, with a market value of €60 million.

Key players to watch in men’s soccer at the Olympics

In addition to Julian Alvarez and Achraf Hakimi, several elite soccer players will also be making their mark at the Paris Olympics 2024, capturing the spotlight throughout the tournament. Here are some of the standout names:

• Pau Cubarsi – Spain
• Fermin Lopez – Spain
• Julio Enciso – Paraguay
• Alexandre Lacazette – France
• Mohamed Elneny – Egipt
• Naby Keita – Guinea
• Benjamin Cremaschi – USA

Argentina’s path to the medals

The Argentina national team, led by Javier Mascherano, will begin their quest for the podium this Wednesday against Morocco. A few days later, on Saturday, July 27, they will play their second group match against Iraq. To conclude the group stage, Argentina will face Ukraine in a decisive clash on Tuesday, July 30.