Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Moroccan national team and one of its star players, is competing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under exceptional circumstances, having been affected by injury. Despite this, his symbolic role as one of the main bearers of the hopes of Moroccan fans for winning the continental title remains intact, especially ahead of the highly anticipated final against Senegal in Rabat.

Since the start of the tournament, Walid Regragui, the head coach of the Moroccan national team, has openly expressed his belief in the importance of Hakimi, emphasizing on multiple occasions that the captain carries responsibilities beyond the football field and serves as a key morale booster within the team, despite not being fully physically fit.

Hakimi suffered a severe injury to his left ankle in early November during his participation with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, which kept him off the field for a long time and forced him to race against time to be ready for the continental tournament.

Despite reservations about his readiness, Rekraki insisted on keeping his captain and was keen to give him full confidence, considering his presence in the national team as a reassuring message to the fans and a moral support to the other players, even during periods when he was unable to participate fully.

After missing the first two matches, Hakimi appeared for a limited number of minutes at the end of the group stage, before playing his first full match since the injury in the knockout rounds, under close monitoring of his physical condition and despite technical criticisms that did not prevent the coaching staff from continuing to support him.

During the press conference prior to one of the tournament matches, Hakimi called on the Moroccan fans to support the national team, emphasizing that fan support is a crucial factor on the path to victory, and expressing his belief in the "Atlas Lions'" ability to reach the top of the podium.

Rukraki emphasized in multiple statements that the best version of Hakimi has yet to appear, highlighting the sacrifices the player has made to represent his national team, and betting on his decisive performance in crucial moments.

As the whistle for the Africa Cup of Nations final approaches, all eyes are on what the captain of the Moroccan national team will deliver on the field in this crucial match. Hakimi aims to move from being the bearer of the fans' hopes to becoming one of the key architects of success, turning the long-awaited dream into reality on the grounds of Rabat.