What position does Achraf Hakimi play? Why Morroco defender spends so much time getting forward

Achraf Hakimi may be the best player for Morocco, which opens its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in a marquee matchup Saturday against Brazil.

Read more B.C. Gambling Shifts Online as Riskier Play Grows

Hakimi may also be the most fascinating player for the Moroccan side, because he doesn’t play in a conventional fashion.

When you watch Morocco play, or even Hakimi’s club team PSG, you realize that he seems to pop up in spots of the field that aren’t standard for the position you think Hakimi’s playing.

So let’s dig into that a little more.

MORE: Cyle Larin proves all the cliches true for Canada

What position does Achraf Hakimi play?

Hakimi is a right back, as in the right-sided player on the defensive line.

Generally, he’s part of teams that play with a back-four — so there are two center backs, with a left back on one side and a right back on the other.

Despite that, Hakimi often seems to play much more like a forward-minded right winger, or an attacking midfielder.

Sometimes, he shows up at the penalty spot as a cross comes in from the other side.

Read more Dyna Mule Slot Review

Clearly, he isn’t your garden variety right back.

MORE: Tim Howard commercial disrespects USMNT legend

Hakimi is given pretty much free license to roam because he’s so gifted in the attacking third. 

So then you ask: So why doesn’t he just play a further forward position?

Well, he’s a good right back, too. Quick and instinctive, Hakimi can make plays at that end of the pitch, and he has great stamina to make it possible to cover so much ground.

It’s also sometimes harder for defenses to account for a talented player who spends so much time out of his conventional position. Hakimi can arrive late to a play since he’s coming from further back, and that can make him extra dangerous.

So don’t expect his role to change. Just recognize that there aren’t many players capable of the things Hakimi can do.

Read more 2026 World Cup of Darts: Draw, schedule, prize money and format explained

More FIFA World Cup news:

• How playing for South Korea removed mandatory military service for Son Heung-min
• Lamine Yamal hanging out at a Walmart
• Mexico has a World Cup… duck?
• Lawrence, Kansas has fallen in love with the Algerian national team
• Germany fan Freddy is going viral for his journey through the American South