Achraf Hakimi's stature in global football continues to rise, with ESPN identifying the Moroccan international as one of the most influential players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ESPN's assessment places Hakimi among those expected to significantly impact the competition, acknowledging his consistent high performance for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco.

The 27-year-old full-back transcends traditional defensive roles, contributing significantly in attack, creating scoring opportunities, and delivering decisive performances. His speed, technical quality, and tactical intelligence make him a key figure across the pitch. ESPN also highlights Hakimi's leadership within the Moroccan national team, where he has been central to a generation that transformed perceptions of Moroccan football since their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal run. At club level, the former Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan player continues to collect major trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, earning praise for his consistency in domestic and European competitions. Hakimi is now considered a defining figure of his generation.