Achraf Hakimi has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO World XI announced by the international professional footballers’ union, following a vote involving 19,806 professional players representing 73 countries. The Moroccan full-back was selected in defence alongside Spain’s Pau Cubarsí and Portugal’s Nuno Mendes.
The evaluation period ran from 4 August 2025 to 19 July 2026, with a requirement of at least 30 official matches. Paris Saint-Germain had three players in the line-up: Hakimi, Mendes and Vitinha, a sign of the weight the French club carried last season.
Who else made the list
The remaining positions were filled by Spain’s David Raya in goal, and England’s Jude Bellingham, Spain’s Rodri and Portugal’s Vitinha in midfield. The attack featured Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
According to press reports, Harry Kane’s absence from the line-up was a surprise, as it is the first time the Ballon d’Or winner has been left out of the FIFPRO selection. The list included four players from Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad.
What does this mean for Morocco and Arab fans?
Hakimi’s selection is not an isolated event so much as the continuation of a consistent trajectory. The player, who holds a leading position in his position, has remained present in global rankings, and this recognition adds to his record after his hat-trick against Le Havre in Ligue 1 last October, the first of his professional career.
Hakimi is closing in on historic numbers in the Champions League; he has reached 19 assists, equalling Mohamed Salah’s tally, and needs one more to match Samuel Eto’o’s record (20). His contract with Paris Saint-Germain runs until 30 June 2029, giving him the stability that serves this kind of recognition.
On the other hand, the vote itself remains a professional test: players from 73 countries voting on their peers’ performances, not on popular fan support. That is what gives Hakimi’s selection additional weight.
InfoSport numbers
- 19,806 players took part in the vote from 73 countries.
- 30 official matches is the minimum required for evaluation.
- 19 assists for Hakimi in the Champions League, one behind Eto’o’s record.
Moroccan football fans are waiting to see what Hakimi will add for the rest of the season. Share your opinion in the comments, and follow the club’s official account and approved platforms for all the latest. ⚽
