Rabat – Achraf Hakimi, one of Morocco’s most celebrated football stars, offered a glimpse into his personal life during an interview with Anas Bukhash on #ABtalks podcast.
From his strong bond with his mother to his reflections on divorce, Hakimi shared stories that shaped him both on and off the pitch.
When asked to describe himself, Hakimi kept it simple. “I am a quiet person. I love my family. I stay close to those I care about and do my best to protect them,” he said.
Hakimi recounted his childhood as “happy, difficult, and full of work.”
“I always had a clear goal. I pushed myself mentally and physically to achieve it, even during the hardest times. Coming from a poor family, I faced extra challenges. People often saw us as outsiders because we weren’t originally Spanish. It made finding opportunities more difficult,” he further explained.
Moreover, family is central to Hakimi’s life, especially his mother. “She means everything to me,” he said with emotion.
“In a family, the mother is the backbone. She leads and keeps everything together. My mother has been my biggest source of motivation. I know she feels proud of me, and I work hard to keep making her proud.”
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Hakimi’s divorce from actress Hiba Abouk drew widespread attention, but the football star says he took it as a chance to grow. “I learned to care for myself and for those who truly matter. During my marriage, I put up with things I shouldn’t have. I now ask myself why I accepted them.”
He also spoke about the rumors surrounding his financial arrangements, revealing an arrangement based on strong family ties.
“Since I started earning money as a young player, my mother has been in charge of everything. She helped me make the right choices when I didn’t know how to manage my finances. It had nothing to do with marriage or divorce. It’s just the way things have always been.”
“My money is her money, and I trust her completely,” he added.
Hakimi also recalled a lighter moment, talking about his iconic “penguin dance” celebration during Morocco’s World Cup win over Spain.
“It was a nod to Sergio Ramos, my former teammate. We once joked and danced like penguins during a party. Before the match, I told him, ‘If I score, this is for you.’ So I did it for him after my penalty. It wasn’t meant to provoke the Spanish team, as some suggested.”
The Moroccan sensation’s honesty throughout the interview showed a man who values family, learns from life’s challenges, and stays true to his roots, even as he navigates the pressures of fame.
“Everyday, I fight for my family,” he said, a testament to the principles that continue to guide his journey.
