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Rabat – Achraf Hakimi’s physical condition has become a growing concern at Paris Saint-Germain, after the Moroccan international returned to high-intensity competition despite clear signs of a hamstring issue, fueling debate around Luis Enrique’s uncompromising approach to player management.
While the Parisian club celebrated its 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg, Hakimi was enduring so much pain due to playing more than 90 minutes despite the injury he faced against Angers. According to Enrique’s logic “win-at-all-costs” PSG secured the first leg of the Champions League against Bayern Munich, but at the expense of Hakimi’s wellbeing.
The Angers warning ignored
The cracks began to show on April 25, during a Ligue 1 clash against Angers. Hakimi was taken off at half-time, a move that raised immediate red flags. While the club and coach remained tight-lipped, it was evident to observers that Hakimi was having hamstring discomfort.
Instead of prioritizing the longevity of one of the world’s best right-backs, Enrique chose tactical secrecy over medical transparency. When questioned about the health of his squad following the Angers match, Enrique’s response declined to shed light on any of the conditions of the injured players, and linked that silence to the upcoming match against Bayern Munich, the quietness that spoke loudly through Hakimi’s injury yesterday.
A career on the edge
Despite the visible physical strain against Angers, Hakimi was pushed up into the starting lineup against Bayern Munich just three days later. For 90 minutes, the Moroccan “engine” was forced to run nonstope. Thus, Hakimi collapsed in the 89th minute, clutching his right thigh in pain.
Because Enrique had used up all his substitutions, Hakimi was forced to stay on the pitch, laying in agony.
The aftermath is devastating
Hakimi’s injury was confirmed as a hamstring tear, and he will be absent for several weeks on the sidelines. The blessure that will be ruling him out of the Champion’s League second leg in Munich, and even for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🚨 Achraf Hakimi, set to miss Bayern-PSG return leg due to hamstring injury.
The Moroccan suffered a hamstring tear and won’t be part of PSG squad next week, says @FabriceHawkins. ❌🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/AGMIHaD1tv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2026
Even after the match, PSG’s head coach dismissed Hakimi’s injury as “just cramps”, before a subsequent medical report confirmed the severity of the tear.
Victim of the win policy
Hakimi is not just an injured player, but a victim of a system that views him as a machine to secure wins. By downplaying the injury and rushing him back for a single game, Enrique has put Hakimi’s future at risk. A hamstring tear of this nature can lead to chronic issues, stripping a player of the very speed and explosiveness that makes Hakimi a world-class player.
The impact goes beyond the Parc des Princes, as the Moroccan national team now holds its breath. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in less than two months, the Atlas Lion’s captain has been pushed to a breaking point by a club coach who openly admits that he “couldn’t care less” about the World Cup or clubs resting players.
A psychological and physical pain
For Hakimi, the psychological impact of being used as a “pawn” cannot be understated. To play through pain, only to be told by your coach that your health is secondary to a tactical “war of silence,” creates a culture of negligence rather than care.
Enrique may have secured a win on the champions league’s table, but he is likely losing the team’s trust. If PSG continues to treat their stars like disposable equipment, they may find that the “victory” they so desperately crave comes at the cost of the very players who make it possible.
Hakimi’s current condition
The Moroccan right back sustained an injury to his right thigh during the match against Bayern Munich. Hakimi will be out of action for the next few weeks, according to a PSG statement.
