PSG: what Hakimi’s penguin celebration means against Inter Miami

In the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup against Inter Miami, Achraf Hakimi didn’t just net Paris Saint-Germain’s fourth goal in their commanding 4-0 victory over Inter Miami. The Moroccan full-back reignited an old rivalry with his now-famous “penguin” celebration.

Hakimi’s goal right before the break could have been a highlight on its own. But true to his character, the Moroccan defender had a message to send. And he delivered it with both body language and a sly wink.

Small, wobbly steps, arms glued to his sides, hands fanned outward—Hakimi performed his now-iconic penguin celebration right in front of Sergio Busquets, captain of the opposing side. This gesture was far from trivial.

To understand the meaning, you have to rewind to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Morocco eliminated Spain in the Round of 16 after a dramatic penalty shootout, punctuated by Hakimi’s audacious Panenka. That’s when the “penguin” made its global debut—a friendly nod to NFL star Jaylen Waddle, and a move Hakimi shares with his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé.

But for Spain’s squad, Sergio Busquets, the captain and veteran of La Roja, wasn’t amused by the Moroccan’s antics. Fast forward to January 2024: Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Morocco is shockingly knocked out by South Africa (0-2) in the Round of 16. Shortly after the match, Busquets posts a mocking video on his social media—a penguin sliding and then crashing hard onto the ground. A direct jab at Hakimi’s celebration.

Months later, fate brings them together again. This time, it’s Paris in control, facing Busquets and Messi’s Inter Miami. And when Hakimi bags PSG’s fourth goal, the timing is simply too perfect to pass up. The penguin celebration, executed with surgical precision, becomes a reply. A statement. And above all, a stinging message to Busquets.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.