Champions League: Achraf Hakimi could overtake Samuel Eto’o

14.10.26 15:00 Champions League

Manchester City

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Paris Saint-Germain

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Achraf Hakimi could become the third African player with the most appearances in Champions League history. The Moroccan full-back, who has made 78 appearances in the competition according to statistics published in September, will face Manchester City again with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, October 14.

The Etihad Stadium fixture could allow him to overtake Samuel Eto’o, with whom he currently shares third place in the African rankings. The Cameroonian played 78 matches in the competition for Real Madrid, Mallorca, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Mohamed Salah and Didier Drogba ahead of the Moroccan

Two former forwards remain at the top of this ranking. Mohamed Salah occupies first place with 98 matches, ahead of Ivorian Didier Drogba, who has made 92 appearances. Hakimi and Eto’o follow with 78 matches each, according to the tally published by Foot Africa in September.

At 27, the PSG defender still has several seasons to climb this ranking. He has already played in the Champions League with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and the Parisian club. His career has also allowed him to win the competition with Real Madrid in 2018, then with PSG in 2025 and 2026.

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A new milestone against Manchester City?

PSG travel to Manchester on Wednesday for the second matchday of the league phase. Hakimi, who returned to the pitch against Le Mans after a period out, is among the players expected to start the match.

If he comes on, the Moroccan will reach 79 appearances and officially overtake Eto’o in the all-time ranking of African players with the most appearances in the competition, according to the tally used. Mohamed Salah and Didier Drogba will remain ahead of him.

This European fixture therefore offers Hakimi a concrete opportunity to reach another statistical milestone, provided he takes part in the match.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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