PSG Ease Achraf Hakimi Back After AFCON Final Heartbreak

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly taking a careful and compassionate approach with Achraf Hakimi following Morocco’s painful defeat in the AFCON 2025 final, with the issue said to be more mental than physical.

The Moroccan right-back has not featured for PSG since the tournament ended, and fresh reports suggest the club is deliberately giving him time to recover emotionally before throwing him back into competitive action.

PSG Prioritise Hakimi’s Mental Wellbeing

According to Le Parisien, Hakimi’s reintegration into PSG training has been kept deliberately low-key. The coaching staff are said to be fully aware that the defender is still dealing with the emotional fallout from Morocco’s AFCON final loss and is not yet in the right headspace.

PSG manager Luis Enrique is reportedly aligned with this approach and has chosen to keep Hakimi out of recent matchday squads rather than rush him back prematurely.

As a result, Hakimi missed PSG’s 1–0 victory over Auxerre and is also expected to be sidelined for the upcoming Champions League clash against Newcastle.

The club’s stance reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, especially after emotionally draining international tournaments.

AFCON Final Pain Still Lingers

Hakimi was part of the Moroccan side that finished runners-up at AFCON 2025, losing the final to Senegal in a heartbreaking showdown on home soil.

The disappointment has clearly hit harder given the expectations around Morocco’s campaign and the weight of playing in front of their own fans.

Interestingly, the contrast within PSG’s squad is stark. Senegal captain Ibrahim Mbaye, who played a key role in his country’s triumph, has already returned to training and even featured in PSG’s recent league win. Hakimi’s slower return underlines how differently players process major tournament outcomes.

Team Of The Tournament Controversy Adds To The Narrative

Adding another layer to the story, Hakimi was controversially named in the AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament, despite missing the opening stages of the competition due to injury — an injury that initially threatened to rule him out entirely.

While the recognition highlighted his quality and influence when fit, it also reignited debates among fans and pundits, further keeping the spotlight on the Moroccan defender during an already sensitive period.

PSG Choose Patience Over Pressure

For now, PSG appear content to put the player first, allowing Hakimi the space he needs to mentally reset before returning to full competition.

In an era where player burnout and mental health are becoming central issues in elite football, PSG’s handling of Hakimi could prove to be a smart long-term move — both for the club and for one of their most important players.

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