Achraf Hakimi captained Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Trophée des Champions final defeat to RC Lens, wearing the armband in a 1-0 loss decided by Florian Thauvin’s 32nd-minute strike. The decision to hand leadership duties to the Moroccan full-back, with Marquinhos unavailable, underscores his elevated standing under Luis Enrique.
Hakimi’s Control in Midfield Despite Defeat
Playing the full 90 minutes from his right-flank position, Hakimi orchestrated PSG’s build-up play with precision. He completed 82 of 89 passes for a 92% accuracy rate, dominating ball circulation as the creative outlet from deep. His influence extended into the final third: in the 83rd minute, a cross attempt nearly reached Fabian Ruiz at the far post before Ruben Aguilar’s timely intervention.
The Moroccan’s attacking intent reflected Luis Enrique’s tactical setup, though PSG’s numerical disadvantage following Kyllian Mbappé’s 39th-minute expulsion curtailed their rhythm. Hakimi’s own yellow card in the 90th minute punctuated a nervy closing phase, with Nuno Mendes also sent off as frustration mounted.
Why the Captaincy Signals Hakimi’s Centrality to PSG
Handing the armband to a full-back—particularly one typically tasked with defensive duties—indicates Luis Enrique’s confidence in Hakimi as a leader beyond tactical execution. His removal of Marquinhos from the starting XI in favour of entrusting Hakimi with the captain’s role suggests the Moroccan has become indispensable to both on-pitch structure and dressing-room hierarchy. The 1-0 loss may represent PSG’s first silverware miss of the campaign, yet Hakimi’s performance and appointment reaffirm his trajectory as a cornerstone figure within the capital outfit’s midfield and leadership framework.
