The Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi revealed the significant role that French coach Zinedine Zidane played in his development and success in his football career, affirming that the years he trained under Zidane's leadership at Real Madrid were crucial in his professional journey.

Hakimi stated in remarks to the French channel (+Canal), reported by Foot Mercato: "Zidane trusted me. I was in the reserve team 'Castilla', and I was 17 or 18 years old, then he called me to the first team and included me in the matches."

During the 2017-2018 season, Hakimi participated in nine matches with the star-studded royal team, successfully scoring two goals, leaving his first mark at a high level.

The Paris Saint-Germain star added: "I thank him a lot, as not every coach gives a chance to a young player at my age. I will always be grateful to him because he was one of the first to open the doors of professionalism for me. I learned a lot from him."

Hakimi is now considered one of the best full-backs in the world, ranking sixth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or, which went to his Parisian club teammate, Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé.