فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Moroccan national team, delivered a clear and direct message of reproach to fans and some media outlets, urging them to stop negative criticism of the players during matches and to focus instead on support and encouragement in order to achieve the continental dream.
Speaking during the press conference held ahead of the Atlas Lions’ match against Zambia in the third round of AFCON 2025, the Paris Saint-Germain star expressed his frustration over what occurred in previous games, saying in an emotional tone:
“I didn’t like what happened at halftime in the last match. We are human and we have feelings. Hasty criticism hurts us and affects our performance.”
Hakimi stressed that this generation represents a “new Morocco” with a winning mentality, but one that still needs fans to fully play their role as the “12th man” and push the team forward. He added:
“We are here to make you happy and to fight for the title. Stand with us, not against us.”
On the physical side, the “Lion” reassured fans in Fes and across Morocco by confirming his full recovery from injury and his readiness to take part in the upcoming match. He also expressed special and heartfelt thanks to Paris Saint-Germain and its president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who allowed him to join the national team camp early to receive treatment—describing the move as “a classy gesture that not all top clubs make.”
In closing, Hakimi highlighted the family spirit within the squad, emphasizing his humility and willingness to sit on the bench if head coach Walid Regragui believes it serves the group’s best interest. He underlined that the ultimate goal is for the Africa Cup to remain in Morocco, regardless of who starts on the pitch.
