Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan international, has made history in the UEFA Champions League by matching veteran Ghanaian defender Samuel Kuffour’s long-standing appearance record.
With 72 games in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back now holds the record for the most appearances made by an African defender in the competition.
The French powerhouses easily defeated Chelsea 5-2 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match on Wednesday night thanks to the brilliant play of the enterprising defender.
Years of consistency at the top level of European football have led to Achraf Hakimi’s incredible milestone. Since making his debut as a player, the Moroccan star has frequently appeared in the Champions League.
Throughout his career, Achraf Hakimi has featured in the competition with several top clubs across Europe. He first gained experience in the tournament with Spanish giants Real Madrid before continuing his development during a successful spell with Borussia Dortmund in Germany. The defender later played in the competition with Italian champions Inter Milan and is currently a key figure for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
His rise has been marked by pace, technical quality, and an ability to influence matches from the right flank. Known for his relentless runs forward and defensive reliability, Hakimi has become an integral part of PSG’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Matching the record previously set by Kuffour further highlights the significance of Hakimi’s achievement. The Ghanaian legend built his legacy with German powerhouse Bayern Munich during the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of Africa’s most respected defenders. Kuffour famously played a crucial role in Bayern’s triumph in the 2001 UEFA Champions League final, cementing his place in African football history.
By equaling Kuffour’s record of 72 appearances, Hakimi joins an exclusive group of African players who have consistently competed at the very top level of European club football.
At just 26 years old, the Moroccan still has plenty of years ahead of him, meaning he is well-positioned not only to break the record outright but also to set a new benchmark for future African defenders in the Champions League.
The milestone underscores Hakimi’s growing legacy and reinforces his status as one of the most influential African footballers of his generation.
