Achraf Hakimi Leaves Bayern Munich Clash in Tears After Serious Injury Will He Miss AFCON 2025

Achraf Hakimi Leaves Bayern Munich Clash in Tears After Serious Injury — Will He Miss AFCON 2025?

Paris Saint-Germain’s Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi suffered a severe ankle injury during his team’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, raising fears about his participation in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

The incident took place in stoppage time of the first half when Hakimi made one of his trademark runs down the right side before being taken down by Luis Díaz in a harsh challenge. The Bayern forward initially received a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the referee upgraded the sanction to a straight red card.

The 27-year-old Moroccan international was visibly in pain, crying as he clutched his left ankle. He was unable to continue and had to be helped off the pitch by PSG’s medical staff and teammates. Coach Luis Enrique immediately brought on Seny Mayulu as his replacement.

This injury represents a huge blow for both PSG and Morocco. Early reports suggest Hakimi could be sidelined for a significant period, casting doubt on his availability for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Losing one of their most influential players would be a major setback for the Atlas Lions, especially with the tournament being hosted on home soil.

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, took full advantage of their momentum, scoring twice through Luis Díaz in the 4th and 32nd minutes. PSG managed to pull one back in the second half through João Neves in the 72nd minute, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Bayern from taking all three points at the Parc des Princes.

Before the injury, Hakimi had been one of PSG’s most consistent performers this season. His defensive reliability and attacking contributions made him a standout figure in Luis Enrique’s system. The Moroccan right-back had already played a key role in PSG’s Champions League and UEFA Super Cup triumphs earlier this year, helping the club secure its first-ever European double.

Since joining PSG from Inter Milan in 2021 for €60 million, Hakimi has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the world. He has made 188 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 38 assists. His impressive performances have also earned him a spot among the top contenders for the African Ballon d’Or 2025, following an outstanding year filled with both domestic and international success.

Morocco’s national coach Walid Regragui will be anxiously awaiting updates from PSG’s medical team. If Hakimi’s injury involves ligament damage, recovery could take between two and three months, meaning he might miss part—or all—of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

The timing of the injury could not be worse for Morocco, who are entering the competition as one of the favorites after their historic 2022 World Cup run. Hosting the tournament for the first time in decades, the team’s preparation heavily depends on the fitness of its key players, particularly Hakimi, who remains the heartbeat of Morocco’s right flank.

Supporters and fellow players from across the football world have sent messages of encouragement to Hakimi, hoping for a speedy recovery. PSG are expected to release a detailed medical report within the next 48 hours, which will determine the severity of the injury and whether the Moroccan star will have enough time to recover before AFCON kicks off.

The coming weeks will be decisive for Hakimi’s season and Morocco’s AFCON campaign. His absence would not only be a tactical loss but also an emotional one for the Moroccan fans who were eager to see their hero lead the team in front of a home crowd during Africa’s biggest football event.