PSG: Achraf Hakimi forces Luis Enrique to make a bold decision

Europe 24 October 2025 at 09:20

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

25.10.25 FT Ligue 1 France

Brest

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Paris Saint-Germain

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Luis Enrique appeared at a press conference this Friday, admitting he is compelled to make a tough decision, largely due to Achraf Hakimi.

Achraf Hakimi is coming off an outstanding 2024/2025 season both in terms of team achievements and individual performance. The Moroccan star was even among the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or. According to Luis Enrique, with a player of Hakimi’s caliber, there was no need to sign a backup right-back to give him a rest. The Spanish coach prefers to reposition Warren Zaïre-Emery or Senny Mayulu rather than recruit a true specialist for the role. On Friday, Enrique explained his reasoning behind this decision.

“I think nothing has changed regarding Hakimi’s status over the past two years. He’s one of the leaders in the dressing room, and his teammates selected him as vice-captain, which speaks volumes about his standing in the team. He’s a unique player with tremendous offensive and defensive qualities, he plays almost every match, always gives 100%, and is a real asset—I’m very happy to have him in the squad. For me, he’s undoubtedly the best right-back in the world. (…) That’s why we’re not signing another right-back. He plays nearly all the time, and when he doesn’t, we have other options. You’d have to pay a lot of money to bring in a right-back who would only play three games and end up demotivated,” he stated during the press conference.

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Brest

Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 France