The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations received much publicity this week as Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé touched down in Morocco to support his close friend and Atlas Lions captain, Achraf Hakimi.
Mbappé was the center of attention at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Friday night during Morocco’s 1–1 draw against Mali.
The French captain was spotted in the VIP stands wearing Hakimi’s Moroccan jersey, a gesture that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
What Kylian Mbappe told Achraf Hakimi
According to the Moroccan captain, Mbappe is expecting the host nation to bag the title.
“He is very happy he attended our game. He likes our team and said we are the favorites to win the AFCON trophy. I am really happy he is with us,” Hakimi said.
“It’s a pleasure to have my friend in my country. He loves Morocco a lot. He comes to Morocco whenever he can with his family and really enjoys his time here and the Moroccan food.”
Head coach Walid Regragui confirmed on Sunday that Hakimi has returned to full fitness following an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for the opening two group matches.
The captain is set to feature in Morocco’s final Group A fixture against Zambia on Monday night.
“It is certain that Achraf will play tomorrow; the question is whether he will start or not,” Regragui told the press in the pre match conference.
Regragui used the press conference to remind the world of Hakimi’s importance, referring to the recent African Player of the Year winner as the team’s Ballon d’Or.
“Could a coach do without his Ballon d’Or? I thought that people did not realize the contribution of Achraf in our team.
We played two matches without our Golden Ball, without our best player, without our leader, without our captain, but we made no secret of our performances.
Is there a different team with Achraf? Certainly. He is the best player in Africa and one of the best players in the world right now. In terms of leadership and the effort he made to come back, what he has done is extraordinary.”
Morocco currently sits atop Group A. A win or draw against Zambia tomorrow will secure their path to the Round of 16 as group winners.
The Atlas Lions are looking to break the 49 year Afcon Trophy drought on home soil having entered the tournament as firm favourites.