Achraf Hakimi has played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinals, capping off a dominant 2025–26 campaign both domestically and internationally. With Real Madrid up next, the PSG right back delivered a clear message to his former teammate Kylian Mbappe and Los Blancos ahead of their showdown on Wednesday.
Hakimi and Mbappé formed a close bond after the Moroccan joined PSG in 2021, a friendship that has remained strong even after the French star’s move to Spain. Following PSG’s win over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, Hakimi admitted to having spoken with Mbappé before the start of the tournament.
“At the beginning, before the Club World Cup, I spoke with him. He told me he was feeling a bit unwell, but I think now he’s 100% ready to play in the Club World Cup,” Hakimi told DAZN. The PSG fullback revealed that Mbappé had suffered from acute gastroenteritis and was even hospitalized in the United States before the tournament began.
“We watched the Real Madrid–Borussia Dortmund match, as I imagine other players did too, because it’s a great game. I didn’t think I would be facing Kylian or anything like that, but I always wish him the best,” he added, underlining the mutual respect between the two.
Hakimi wrapped up his remarks by making it clear that friendship won’t get in the way of business: “As you know, he’s my friend, and meeting him in the semifinal is great—but we’re both here to defend our teams, which is the most important thing.”
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PSG and Real Madrid are set to face off for a spot in the final on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. With Mbappe still recovering and regaining match fitness, fans are treating this semifinal as an early final between two heavyweights.
Hakimi in doubt for game vs. Real Madrid
As PSG gear up for the massive semifinal against Real Madrid—following a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Bayern that saw both William Pacho and Lucas Hernandez sent off—they returned to training in Atlanta on Sunday. But two notable absences raised concerns.
According to Diario AS, Hakimi and Fabián Ruiz did not participate in the regular training session with the rest of the squad. Instead, both players worked indoors at the gym alongside Presnel Kimpembe, who is still recovering from a long-term injury. Their absence has set off alarm bells for PSG fans and head coach Luis Enrique, as the club could be without two key starters against Real Madrid.
