IN CONVERSATION WITH ACHRAF HAKIMI
interview by JANA LETONJA and THORE DAMWERTH
Moroccan football sensation ACHRAF HAKIMI is currently playing with PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN F.C., surrounded by some of the sport’s biggest stars. Since his first professional contract with REAL MADRID CF, he has won numerous titles, including the prestigious Champions League. Off the field, his philanthropic spirit shines through the ACHRAF HAKIMI FOUNDATION, dedicated to empowering children through education and sports. His influence extends to the realm of fashion, as he graces the front rows at fashion weeks and embraces a strong personal style.
How did your journey unfold from growing up in Getafe to becoming one of the most prominent football stars in the world?
My journey has been tough due to financial, social and cultural challenges growing up, but I didn’t let them stop me. I worked hard and now, despite the obstacles, I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.
What inspired you to start playing football, and at what point did you realise you wanted to pursue it professionally?
I’ve always loved football, it’s a sport I enjoy and it helps me to feel like myself. I think that when you love what you do, everything is easier, and that’s what led me to devote myself to this sport.
From being one of the youngest players in the Moroccan national team to playing for several top clubs in Europe, winning major titles and reaching the WORLD CUP semi-finals in 2022, the list of your achievements is very long. What were the most memorable moments of your career so far?
I feel blessed by many successes, both individually and collectively, and I am immensely proud to see that my efforts are paying off. Of all these achievements, one of the most significant is knowing that my family is proud of me. There have been many memorable moments, but the most glorious was when I had the opportunity to represent my country at the WORLD CUP or when I took my first steps on the professional football pitch. Those moments will always be engraved in my memory as the high points of my career and my life.
Being a successful athlete also brings a lot of pressure, especially in the public eye. How do you deal with media attention?
I believe in the importance of remaining authentic. By being myself, I create sincere and authentic links with others. It’s my deepest belief and my way of life because it allows me to fulfil my potential.
Fashion is another passion of yours and you’ve become known for your sense of style off the pitch. Can you share some insights into your personal style, favourite designers and brands, and how your interest in fashion developed over time?
As you said, I really like fashion and feeling good in my clothes, feeling myself and feeling different at the same time. One of my favourite designers is Simon Porte Jacquemus; what Pharell is doing at the moment with Louis Vuitton is really cool, Willy Chavarria is very good or JW Anderson, among others. I try to have my own personality on and off the pitch and the way I dress helps me to express myself and show a bit of my personality.
Many footballers, including yourself, are increasingly becoming style icons and influencers in the fashion world. How do you see the connection between football and fashion evolving?
I’m grateful that fashion has become associated with football and sport because many athletes, including myself, enjoy fashion. For example, LVMH is becoming more closely associated with sport, which is reflected in the sponsorship of many clubs, such as us in PSG with Dior or other teams or sports. You can also see that they are really involved in the preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. It’s an exciting alliance that allows two worlds to join forces and show the diversity of athletes’ interests and passions.
Apart from these interests and endeavours, your commitment to charitable work through the ACHRAF HAKIMI FOUNDATION is commendable. Could you tell us more about the foundation’s mission and some of the initiatives you undertake to support children in need?
I’ve been contemplating this project for quite some time now. The foundation aims to support underprivileged youth in having a better quality of life. Our focus will be on education and sports, and we’re already partnering with several associations to provide the necessary resources. Additionally, we’ll instil in these young individuals the values of hard work and self-improvement, empowering them to pursue their dreams through their own efforts. It’s crucial to help them build self-confidence and believe in their own potential.
You can follow our projects on social networks of the foundation at @achrafhakimifoundation or by following the website www.achrafhakimifoundation.com, where we upload our actions.
Family is one of the most important things in your life. How has being a father influenced your approach to both your career in football and your philanthropic endeavours?
Honestly, in a very special way. It is a different feeling that only people who are parents know. I’m very proud to be a father and happy to have two healthy children. It allows me to be responsible in another way and to offer them an education so that they can grow up with the best values.
Having Moroccan parents, how often do you visit the country and what do you enjoy about it the most?
I usually try to visit Morocco several times a year to reconnect with my roots and spend time there. What I love the most about my country is its rich heritage and culture. Every corner of the country is filled with history and beauty. I especially enjoy Moroccan food and experiencing the hospitality of the Moroccan people.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ACHRAF HAKIMI
photography DANIEL SARS
styling ALIYAH SEMILLANO & LUKA MAGAT
hair NATHAN NSUKA
makeup NOÉMIE LABORDE
set design IVA VAN DER HARDT ABERSON
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA and THORE DAMWERTH
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
management RKS AGENCY
