PARIS, November 4, 2026 — Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi delivered a remarkable performance for Paris Saint-Germain on October 30, scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists in a 5–1 victory over Le Havre. His extraordinary contribution prompted PSG manager Luis Enrique to describe him as “the best right-back in the world.”
The statement has renewed attention on Hakimi’s influence in modern football, where the traditional responsibilities of a defender increasingly overlap with those of an attacking player.
A Historic Night Against Le Havre
Hakimi was involved in all five of PSG’s goals during the Ligue 1 encounter.
After Le Havre initially took the lead, the Moroccan helped set up the equalizer before scoring three times himself. He also contributed another assist as PSG completed their comeback.
According to Opta statistics reported by beIN SPORTS, Hakimi became the first defender in the period covered by its Ligue 1 data, beginning in 2006–07, to record five goal contributions in a single league match.
It was a performance that demonstrated his ability to influence a game at both ends of the pitch.
Luis Enrique’s Powerful Endorsement
Following the match, Luis Enrique praised the Moroccan captain’s attacking qualities and his consistency.
The PSG manager explained that Hakimi often operates higher up the pitch when his team has possession, while still carrying defensive responsibilities when the opposition attacks.
“He’s the best right-back in the world,” Enrique said.
The coach also emphasized that Hakimi’s value to the team goes beyond scoring goals. His ability to maintain a high level of performance and remain ready for demanding matches is particularly important to PSG.
The statement is the manager’s assessment, but it reflects the trust Hakimi has earned within the club.
A Modern Defender With an Attacker’s Instinct
Hakimi’s playing style reflects the changing role of the full-back in elite football.
His pace allows him to move quickly from defensive positions into attacking areas. His timing, movement without the ball and ability to deliver dangerous passes make him an additional attacking option.
At PSG, these qualities allow the team to create width, stretch opposing defences and introduce another goal threat from the right side.
Yet attacking contributions are only one part of the position. Defensive awareness, positioning, recovery speed and discipline remain essential to a right-back’s responsibilities.
Hakimi’s challenge is to combine these demands consistently against the strongest opponents.
From Morocco to the European Elite
Born in Madrid to Moroccan parents, Hakimi chose to represent Morocco internationally and has become one of the most recognizable figures in the national team.
His career has taken him through some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
At each stage, he has developed his reputation as a defender capable of contributing significantly to attacking play.
For Moroccan supporters, his achievements at club level also carry special significance. Hakimi remains a central figure for the Atlas Lions and an important symbol of Morocco’s presence in international football.
Hakimi’s Own Perspective
Despite his extraordinary performance against Le Havre, Hakimi was careful not to describe the match as the greatest of his career.
In comments reported after the game, he said he had experienced other matches that carried greater emotion for him. He welcomed the hat-trick but emphasized his happiness with the team’s victory and his overall level of performance.
That response offered another perspective on the player: individual records matter, but his focus remains on contributing to the team.
More Than a Right-Back
Luis Enrique’s words will inevitably add to the debate about the world’s leading defenders.
Football supporters and analysts may disagree over who deserves that distinction, but Hakimi’s latest performance provides a compelling example of how influential an attacking full-back can become.
With his speed, technical ability, experience and contribution to PSG and Morocco, Achraf Hakimi continues to establish himself among the leading players in his position.
For Morocco, his rise is a source of sporting pride. For PSG, he is an important part of the team’s ambitions.
World Media Feed Editorial Team
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